WHO WhatsApp alert service on coronavirus hits 6 million users, heres how to subscribe

The World Health Organization (WHO) messaging service launched with Facebook and Whatsapp to provide updates on the novel coronavirus has already reached over 6 million people.

Taking to Twitter, WHO Director General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus marveled at the numbers the platform hit only two days after launch.

Dr. Ghebreyesus further expressed gratitude to Facebook boss Mark Zuckerberg for the partnership in setting up the service.

The messaging service, which WHO hopes will reach 2 billion people world over, enables users to get information on the pandemic directly on their phones.

“From government leaders to health workers and family and friends, this messaging service will provide the latest news and information on coronavirus including details on symptoms and how people can protect themselves and others,” said WHO , in a press release on March 20.

“It also provides the latest situation reports and numbers in real time to help government decision-makers protect the health of their populations.”

The service is accessed through a link that opens a conversation on WhatsApp; users are then prompted to simply type “hi” to activate the conversation.

A menu of options that can help answer their questions about Covid-19 is then displayed among them Mythbusters, Travel advice etc.