The newly appointed ambassadors are verified healthcare professionals
TikTok has announced the appointment of its inaugural Mental Health Ambassadors for Africa, as part of broader efforts to foster safer, more supportive online environments across the continent.
The announcement was made during the platform’s first-ever Digital Well-being Summit, held in Johannesburg and attended by mental health experts, government representatives, NGOs, and digital policy stakeholders from across Sub-Saharan Africa.
The newly appointed ambassadors are verified healthcare professionals from the World Health Organization’s Fides Network, selected for their experience in mental health education and community outreach.
They include: Sanam Naran (South Africa), Dr. Claire Kinuthia (Kenya), Doctor Wales (Nigeria) and Doctor Siya (South Africa).
These ambassadors will play a key role in developing and promoting locally relevant mental health content on TikTok, helping users especially young people navigate emotional challenges and access accurate information.
The unveiling of these ambassadors, according to Fortune Mgwili-Sibanda, Director of Public Policy and Government Relations, TikTok, underscores the company’s commitment to amplifying expert voices and supporting informed dialogue around mental health in African communities.
The initiative builds on the platform’s ongoing mental health campaigns, including the global #MentalHealthMatters series, and complements recent investments such as the expansion of its $2.3 million Mental Health Education Fund and the introduction of in-app helplines across several African countries.
TikTok’s Global Head of Trust and Safety Outreach, Valiant Richey, said the ambassador programme is part of a larger strategy to equip users with tools and trusted information to improve their digital well-being.
With the inclusion of African professionals in its mental health advocacy efforts, TikTok aims to promote culturally relevant approaches to wellness, reduce stigma, and ensure access to reliable resources across diverse online communities.