Health advice now reaches people through search results, social feeds, group chats and short videos. That speed can be useful, but it also makes one question essential: is the information trustworthy enough to influence a health decision?

The World Health Organization’s new Together for Science and Health movement puts that question at the centre of public health. Launched in November 2026 with more than 240 participating organizations, it focuses on closer links between science and society, stronger use of evidence in policy, and clearer science communication.

1. Identify who is speaking

Look for a named author or institution and check whether they have relevant expertise. A medical-looking design, a large follower count or a confident tone does not establish authority. For individual care, a qualified clinician who knows the patient’s history remains the appropriate source.

2. Follow the claim back to evidence

Reliable health pages usually link to guidance, a systematic review, a clinical trial or official surveillance data. Open the source and check whether it actually supports the headline. A laboratory finding, an animal experiment and an observational association are not the same as evidence that a treatment works in people.

3. Check the date and scope

Health guidance can change as evidence develops. Check when the page and its sources were updated, and whether the advice applies to your country, age group or health condition. Old information can remain widely shared long after recommendations have changed.

4. Be cautious with certainty and sales pressure

Absolute promises such as “works for everyone,” “cures the cause” or “doctors do not want you to know” are warning signs. The same is true when the page immediately sells a product while hiding limitations, conflicts of interest or side effects. Good evidence communication makes uncertainty visible.

5. Compare with independent, authoritative guidance

Check whether the claim aligns with current information from a national health service, health ministry, WHO or a relevant professional body. Agreement across independent sources raises confidence; disagreement is a reason to pause, not to choose the most reassuring answer.

Before you share

Ask three quick questions: Who said it? What evidence supports it? When was it updated? If the information could change medication use, delay care or affect a child, pregnancy or serious symptom, verify it with a health professional first.

Critical reading is not cynicism. It is a practical way to make better use of science while avoiding both misinformation and overconfidence.

Sources: WHO: Together for Science and Health; WHO: Using the internet and media to get health information.

Image: Accuray / Unsplash. Illustrative.