You can access the recording here.

“We can’t underestimate the power of technology and the power of social media to allow people to get the information that they need when they need it most,” said Andy Pattison, team lead for Digital Channels, World Health Organization (WHO), when discussing a chatbot bringing health information to thousands of pregnant women and new mothers in a South African township.

At a Global Digital Health Forum plenary hosted by Population Services International (PSI), Pattison, Gladys Mugambi (Ministry of Health, Kenya), Christine Odour (PSI), and Erin Nilon (Johnson & Johnson) highlighted the benefits and challenges in using social media to advance health and shared learnings from their work during the pandemic. This conversation was facilitated by Hema Budaraju, senior director of Product, Health and Social Impact at Google Search and Alliance Board co-vice chair. The panel spoke about the importance of strategic partnerships, messages tailored for specific audiences and channels, and the centering of local voices for the effective use of social media to share health messages and improve outcomes.

Speakers:

Gladys Mugambi, Head of Public Promotion, Kenyan MoH, Head of Health Promotion at the Ministry of Health in Kenya.

Andy Pattison, WHO, Team Lead for Digital Channels, department of digital health and innovation at the World Health Organization.

Erin Nilon, Global Lead, Consumer/Patient Program Innovation, Global Public Health, Johnson & Johnson.

Christine Oduor, PSI, Global Senior Program Manager, Digital Health at Population Services International (PSI).

Moderator:

Hema Budaraju, Senior Director of Product – Health and Social Impact, Google Search and Board Co-Vice Chair of the Bay Area Global Health Alliance.