As reported by Express Healthcare, the messaging platform WhatsApp has joined the bandwagon of fighting the global pandemic Coronavirus with two initiatives. The platform has launched a WhatsApp Coronavirus Information Hub with the World Health Organization, UNICEF and UNDP as partners. The second initiative has the company extending an amount of $1 million as a donation to the Poynter Institute’s International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN).
The purpose of the information hub is to give out an actionable guide for educators, health workers, local governments, businesses, community leaders and anyone that depends on WhatsApp for communication. In an effort the curb fake news and disprove rumours that stem from the university of WhatsApp, the company will be providing vetted and accurate information such as tips and resources regarding the pandemic.
Along with WHO and UNICEF, the platform will also be serving as messaging hotlines for the world during the pandemic outbreak. The information about these hotlines would be available on the mentioned Information Hub.
The company’s second initiative of granting $1 million to IFCN will help fact check an alliance by the hashtag #CoronaVirusFacts which has 100 local organisations across 45 countries under its belt. WhatsApp Business advanced features such as WhatsApp Business API will be used and the training of persons will be supported by the grant.