Coronavirus: WhatsApp news service from WHO offers life-saving advice to billions of users

Chatbot offers advice such as, 'Hand dryers are NOT effective in killing the coronavirus'

Researchers at Check Point labelled the vulnerability 'FakesApp' (REUTERS)

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has partnered with WhatsApp and Facebook to provide billions of people with direct access to vital information about the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic.

The WHO Health Alert comes in response to misinformation that has spread across social media in recent weeks regarding the deadly virus.

"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," WHO wrote in a blog post.

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

The free service can be activated by adding the number +41 22 501 76 55 as a contact or by clicking on a link that leads directly to a WhatsApp conversation with the WHO chatbot.

By typing "hi" into the conversation, users are offered a range of options providing more details about the pandemic, including "Latest Numbers", "Protect Yourself" and "Travel Advice".

Myths and rumours surrounding the pandemic are also addressed, warning users against the dangers of following advice from third-party sources.

"Hand dryers are NOT effective in killing the coronavirus," the chatbot states, adding that "spraying alcohol or chlorine all over your body WILL NOT kill viruses that have already entered your body."

WHO digital solutions manager Andrew Pattison recently described the issue of coronavirus misinformation as an "infodemic" that was "spreading faster than the virus".

The UN agency said the service has the potential to reach 2 billion people thanks to WhatsApp's vast user base.

The Health Alert tool garnered 10 million users within days of its launch in South Africa on 20 March and WHO now plans to make it available in more languages.

Currently only available in English, the service is expected to be rolled out across more than 20 languages for WhatsApp users around the world.

"It's an honour to work with WHO to provide this simple service to get the latest information directly from the experts right on WhatsApp," the messaging giant wrote on Twitter.