Geneva (GNP): The World Health Organization (WHO) has opened a global call for organisations and institutions to join Together for Science and Health, a new movement meant to bring science, health and society closer together and build trust in evidence-informed decision-making.
The announcement came on 13 October 2026. WHO points to what science has already delivered, including antibiotics that make once-deadly infections treatable, advances in vaccination, nutrition, sanitation and medical care that help more children survive, and antiretroviral treatment that lets millions of people with HIV live longer. It adds that cancer screening, prevention and new treatments are helping to detect the disease earlier and extend lives.
That record, WHO says, should not be taken for granted. People must be able to trust scientific evidence, understand what it means for their lives, help shape the questions science asks and have a fair chance to benefit from its advances.
The organisation argues that no single institution can achieve this alone. Researchers, health professionals, policy-makers, communities, funders and citizens all have a part to play. The new movement aims to support that effort by connecting organisations across sectors, sharing effective approaches and encouraging practical collaboration on common priorities.
To give that work a structure, the movement rests on three linked pillars. The first, science and society, seeks to bring scientists and communities closer so that research reflects people’s needs and experiences. The second, science and policy, aims to help decision-makers use reliable evidence to shape practical, fair and effective health policies. The third, science communication, focuses on making science easier to understand and discuss, listening to public questions and concerns, and responding constructively to misinformation and disinformation.
Also Read: WHO Tracks Death of Russian Lab Worker With No Confirmed Cause
Organisations that share the movement’s vision and values can now affiliate. They are asked to endorse the Declaration of Commitment, complete the affiliation form, support the movement’s principles and say how they can contribute to the three pillars. WHO says affiliates can offer expertise, networks and practical solutions to strengthen trust in science and improve health outcomes through cross-sector collaboration.
The movement is convened by WHO and brings together scientists, policy-makers, health professionals, communicators, civil society, young people and communities. It is underpinned by the RISES values of Respect, Integrity, Scientific Rigor, Ethical Responsibility and Social Inclusion.
It will be officially launched on 10 November 2026, which WHO describes as the start of a new chapter in collective action to make science a stronger force for health, equity and the public good. The initiative also follows the theme of World Health Day 2026, “Together for health. Stand with science”, which marks a year-long campaign to highlight science as the foundation for protecting health and well-being worldwide.
Dr Sylvie Briand, WHO Chief Scientist and acting Assistant Director-General for Better Health Systems, Access and Data, said, “Science is not just about making discoveries. It is about making a difference in people’s lives.”
