Impact of the Fides Network on the Digital Dissemination of Scientific Content on Infectious Diseases: Evidence-Based Health Communication

Health misinformation represents one of the main barriers to addressing infectious diseases, affecting treatment adherence, trust in vaccines, and adoption of preventive measures. In response, the World Health Organization (WHO) created the FIDES network (Factual, Influential, Digital, Equitable, Social) in 2020, an international collective of professionals and content creators trained to disseminate evidence-based information via social media. This study aimed to describe the role and impact of the FIDES network in health communication focused on infectious diseases, evaluating engagement and the educational potential of this strategy. Descriptive qualitative study based on the practical experience of a FIDES network member between 2023 and 2024, focusing on digital content production about infectious diseases. Posts on platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube were analyzed using public indicators of reach (views), engagement (likes, comments, shares), and message type. Content addressed topics such as HIV/AIDS, dengue vaccination, STIs, and combating COVID-19 misinformation. Analysis followed a reflective approach regarding communication impact, language used, audience engagement, and perceived contributions to health education. More than 20 posts were observed on FIDES-related profiles in Brazil between January 2023 and April 2024. The most engaging content addressed syphilis prevention and COVID-19 vaccination, reaching up to 180,000 views in short TikTok videos. Average engagement increased by 12% in posts with simplified approaches and educational visuals. Comments indicated audience recognition of source credibility. The strategy favored the popularization of technical topics, particularly among young adults. Challenges included the need for continuous updating and confronting denialist discourse. The FIDES network’s activities highlight the growing role of digital communication as a complementary tool in health surveillance and infection control. Evidence-based informational strategies using accessible language show high potential to expand the reach of prevention messages and combat misinformation.