WHO chief Tedros honors Duchess of Sussex for work on health awareness and child online safety
Meghan Markle has received special recognition from the World Health Organization for her efforts in promoting global health awareness and child online safety, according to a statement shared on social media by WHO Director-General.
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus posted a photograph with Meghan on Monday, praising her commitment to public health and well-being. He also presented her with a WHO field vest, an item typically associated with humanitarian and public health missions.
Recognition at global health event
The recognition followed Meghan’s participation in the “Lost Screen Memorial” event in Geneva, held ahead of the opening of the 79th World Health Assembly.
The memorial honoured children who lost their lives in cases linked to social media-related harm, creating an emotional atmosphere among attendees.
Strong message on online safety
Speaking at the event, Meghan said online safety should not be viewed purely as a technology issue, but as a public health concern requiring urgent global attention.
She urged governments and technology companies to strengthen protections for children, warning that society risks accepting what she described as a “dangerous bargain” between connectivity and safety.
Meghan also emphasized that the names commemorated at the memorial represented real children and families, not just digital identities or statistics.
Growing global discussion
Her remarks sparked widespread discussion online, with supporters praising her continued focus on mental health, child protection and digital safety advocacy.
WHO officials said the recognition reflects broader efforts to highlight the intersection between public health and digital well-being, particularly for young users of social media platforms.