On 21 May 2026, during the Seventy-ninth World Health Assembly, WHO convened a strategic roundtable on addressing health mis- and dis-information: protecting scientific integrity. Bringing together Member States, scientific institutions, health professionals, civil society organizations and other partners, the discussion explored practical approaches to strengthen information integrity, reinforce trust in science, and ensure that people have access to reliable, evidence-based health information.
Against a rapidly evolving information landscape shaped by social media, artificial intelligence and the growing volume of digital content, the roundtable provided an opportunity to share experiences, identify effective practices, and advance collaborative solutions to one of the most significant public health challenges of our time.
Health in a new information era
The discussion highlighted how technological developments are transforming the way people access, interpret and share information. Artificial intelligence is creating new opportunities to improve access to knowledge and support public health, but it is also accelerating the creation and dissemination of misleading or false content at unprecedented scale and speed. At the same time, digital platforms and data-driven communication ecosystems increasingly influence public perceptions, trust and health-related decision-making. Participants emphasized the need not only to respond to misinformation and disinformation, but also to strengthen public engagement with science, improve access to trustworthy information, and build resilient information environments capable of supporting informed decisions for health.
Shaping the future of health together
The roundtable brought together policymakers, scientists, health workers, communicators, civil society representatives and international partners to discuss practical ways to strengthen trust in science and address health misinformation and disinformation. These conversations helped shape the direction of Together for Science and Health, reflecting the movement's commitment to convening perse voices, fostering dialogue across sectors, and mobilizing collective action to strengthen the relationship between science, society and policy.
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