The World Health Organization (WHO) this Tuesday launched the movement "Together for Science and Health", an alliance that brings together more than 240 entities with the aim of strengthening trust in science and using the available evidence to promote the health and development of populations.
In a scenario marked by the rapid advance of technology and the expansion of artificial intelligence, which are changing the way citizens access, interpret, and disseminate scientific and health information, "Together for Science and Health" seeks to strengthen the relationship between science and society, making it easier for people to understand and apply scientific evidence.
The proposal, presented to coincide with the World Science Day for Peace and Development, brings together scientific experts, leaders, public officials, and institutions from multiple fields. To mark this date, 12 events have been organized in different countries and regions around the world.
"Science is one of humanity's most powerful tools and has always been the driving force behind better health," the WHO Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has emphasized, who leads this launch together with the President of France, Emmanuel Macron.
Adhanom has stressed that science, through vaccines, medicines, prevention, and the response to epidemic outbreaks, has contributed to increasing both the years of life and its quality. In this context, he has highlighted that the movement "Together for Science and Health" will promote "evidence, trust, and innovation as fundamental pillars of healthier societies".
Bringing science closer to citizens
The initiative wants to promote joint action to bring science closer to society, strengthen the use of evidence in the development of health policies, and improve scientific communication and debate.
With these three priorities at the center, the organizations involved will share effective methods, materials, and experiences, as well as forge practical collaborations that reinforce trust and help ensure that scientific advances reach the entire population.
"No institution, country or community can generate and maintain trust by itself. The movement 'Together for Science and Health' provides a space for dialogue and collaboration, not for polarization. Shaping the future of science is everyone's responsibility", the WHO chief scientist and acting Assistant Director-General for Health Systems, Access and Data, Sylvie Briand, has pointed out.
The WHO has encouraged organizations and institutions from all continents to join the movement, contribute their knowledge and work networks, and help build a future in which reliable science translates into better health for the whole population.