PAHO, Google join forces to expand access to health info across Americas
WASHINGTON, (CMC) – The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) says it has signed a five-year framework agreement with Google LLC to collaborate on strategic health communication and mental health promotion across the Region of the Americas, including the Caribbean.
The agreement brings together PAHO’s public health leadership and technical expertise with Google’s global digital platforms, including YouTube, to expand access to reliable, science-based health information.
PAHO said with a strong emphasis on accuracy and trust, the partnership will prioritise the delivery of verified content—particularly on public health and mental health promotion—while countering the spread of misinformation online.
“This agreement reflects our commitment to meeting people where they are—with timely, trusted health information delivered through the platforms they use every day,” said PAHO Director, Jarbas Barbosa da Silva.
“By combining PAHO’s technical expertise with Google’s global reach and innovation, we can better support countries in promoting public health and tackling stigma around mental health,” he added.
The collaboration will focus on creating engaging multimedia content, strengthening digital literacy, and leveraging innovative technologies—including artificial intelligence—to better reach diverse audiences, particularly young people and underserved communities.
PAHO said that a central pillar of the agreement is mental health promotion in digital environments and that the two organisations will work jointly to raise awareness and combat stigma, promote early intervention, and connect individuals with support services, while ensuring that information shared across platforms is accessible, responsible, and evidence-based.
Through the agreement, Google will work alongside PAHO to ensure the development and diffusion of evidence-based guidance, educational content, and will lead efforts to ensure that health information shared through its platforms is accurate, ethical, and impactful.
The collaboration will also explore new approaches to content creation and dissemination, including partnerships with digital creators and the development of online courses and self-help resources tailored to regional needs.
“By harnessing the power of technology and evidence-based public health, PAHO and Google aim to transform how health information is shared—helping ensure that people across the Americas have access to accurate information and the support they need to live healthier lives,” the statement said.