The World Health Organisation (WHO) has launched a digital campaign in response to Angola’s ongoing cholera outbreak, enlisting local social media influencers to spread life-saving health messages.
The campaign, titled “Together Against Cholera”, ran from 15 May to 22 July, featuring six well-known Angolan figures across Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.
Influencers Aurea de Carvalho, Carla Morais, Xofela, Leocádia Tamara, Maria Correia and TV presenter Stela de Carvalho shared videos promoting hygiene, sanitation and public health practices aimed at preventing the spread of cholera.
According to analytics of WHO’s social media pages, the impact has been significant: the videos exceeded 600,000 views, with an average of 3,353 likes, 100 shares and 70 comments per post, totalling more than 20,000 interactions.
WHO communications assistant João Carlos Domingos said the initiative is part of a broader strategy to combat misinformation and reach younger audiences online where they are most active.
“Digital has become the main channel of information for many young people, but it is also where a lot of misinformation circulates. We need to fill that space with content that saves lives.”
The campaign comes amid a worsening health crisis in Angola.
Since January 2025, cholera has infected 27,609 people and claimed 769 lives across 18 provinces, according to official data.
Following the success of the campaign, WHO Angola plans to expand the digital influencer strategy to address other public health priorities, including malaria, tuberculosis, measles, and hepatitis.
JN/APA