The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched a service through Facebook Messenger to combat misinformation about the novel coronavirus, the UN health agency announced on April 15.

The chatbot, an extension of the organisation's Health Alert service, will offer instant and accurate information about Covid-19, WHO said in a statement.

Over 12 million people are already receiving Covid-19 information and updates from the WHO via the mobile messaging app WhatsApp. By extending the service to Facebook Messenger and its related communication channels, it expects to reach a further 4.2 billion people.

WHO said that in many regions hardest hit by Covid-19, messaging through the social media platform's family of apps has increased by more than 50%.

The interactive service can be accessed in English, French, Spanish, and Arabic through WHO's official Facebook page by selecting "send message" or through the dedicated Messenger link.

The Health Alert service was designed to help people "protect themselves from Covid-19, prevent its spread, and understand the facts related to the disease," WHO said.

 - AFP Relaxnews