Facebook launches Coronavirus Information Centre in 17 African countries

Facebook is expanding its Coronavirus Information Centre to 17 more countries in sub-Saharan Africa. The Information Centre is part of the social media giant’s effort to help combat COVID-19 globally.It aims to do so by bringing people the latest news and updates from trusted health agencies, as well as resources and tips to stay safe and help their families and communities.

https://mobile.twitter.com/fbnewsroom/status/1248372634552655873

At the top of News Feed, the Coronavirus Information Centre is highlighted, offering a central place for people to remain updated about the pandemic.It contains real-time alerts from national health authorities and global organisations such as the World Health Organization, as well as informative blogs, videos and posts about social distancing and preventing COVID-19 from spreading.

Facebook users can opt in to follow the centre to get notifications and see the official government health authorities ‘updates in their News Feed.The centre, which has already been launched in South Africa, will now be extended to the following markets in Sub- Saharan Africa:

  • Benin
  • Burkina Faso
  • Cameroon
  • Cape Verde
  • Chad
  • Côte d’Ivoire
  • Ethiopia
  • Gabon
  • Guinea
  • Kenya
  • Mali
  • Mauritania
  • Nigeria
  • Senegal
  • Seychelles
  • The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
  • Togo

“We’ve built the information centre, in collaboration with national health partners, to ensure that people can get access to information from trusted health sources,” says Facebook’s Head of Public Policy for Africa, Kojo Boakye.

”The launch of the COVID-19 Information Center on Facebook in more than 17 countries across sub-Saharan Africa aligns with our commitment to making accurate, timely information about the pandemic accessible to all communities.”