In efforts to champion digital well being and mental health, TikTok has appointed four TikTok health and well being creators as ambassadors to help tackle issues related both on and off the platform.
This was announced at the recently held first-ever TikTok Digital Well-Being Summit, held in Johannesburg, South Africa which brought together mental health experts, NGOs, creators and industry leaders from across Sub-Saharan Africa to be part of the conversation.
TikTok describes the verified experts and creators as powerful because of how “they understand local nuances, attitudes and challenges around mental health. They are well-positioned to provide trusted, evidence-based mental health information that is relevant and accessible to African audiences.”
“People come to TikTok to learn, talk about mental wellbeing, and share their own experiences with others in the community. We’re committed to making sure those conversations happen in a safe, supportive space where emotionally complex topics can be explored with care, respect and empathy,” said TikTok Global Head of Trust and Safety Outreach and Partnerships, Valiant Richey.
TikTok also announced the expansion of its global Mental Health Education Fund into Sub-Saharan Africa with three new partners who will receive funding and training to create authoritative, culturally relevant mental health content on the platform. The three new partners include the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), Mentally Aware Nigeria Initiative (MANI), and Kenya’s Mental360.
Meet the TikTok Sub-Saharan Africa’s Digital Well-Being Ambassadors below:
South African psychologist Sanam Nara
Kenya’s Dr Claire Kinuthia
Nigeria’s Doctor Wales
South African medical doctor, Dr Siya
