You can now chat with the WHO on WhatsApp about the coronavirus

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) have partnered with WhatsApp to set up a central messaging platform which provides valuable and up-to-date information about the novel coronavirus.

As per the Geneva-based WHO’s instruction, people around the world are recommended to save the official number (+41 798 931 892) on WhatsApp.

Once set up, a person will be instructed to type “hi” and send it across. 

From this platform, anyone can get the latest number of Covid-19 cases from across the world, guidelines on how to protect oneself, myth busters, travel advice and press items related to the virus.

In a press release, Achim Steiner, the administrator of the UNDP, said that providing simple and reliable information was “a critical piece of the international community’s efforts” to deal with the virus. 

“Partnerships with private sector companies like WhatsApp will help get this vital, real time information from the World Health Organization and local health officials to billions of users around the globe.”

The section titled “Myth Busters” also aims to dispel misinformation surrounding the novel infection.