As the Covid-19 pandemic unfolded, healthcare professionals worldwide found themselves in uncharted territory. For Dr Siyamak Saleh, a frontline worker based in South Africa, TikTok began as an escape from the stress of treating patients during those challenging days.
Fast forward to today, Dr Siyamak Saleh, or Dr Siya, as he’s known on TikTok, has turned his digital media presence into an influential tool for health education, reaching millions across the globe with vital information on mental health, sexual health, and reproductive rights.
What started as an outlet for fun videos quickly transformed into a platform for addressing critical health topics. Dr Saleh now holds a partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO), amplifying accurate health information to combat the rampant misinformation that pervades the internet.
“TikTok has been a transformative platform for reaching a diverse and global audience,” he explains.
“With its ability to make complex health topics accessible to millions, it’s become a tool for positive change, especially in destigmatizing discussions around mental health.”
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Shifting Focus to Mental Health Advocacy
One of the areas where Dr Saleh has found his niche is mental health, an issue that is often clouded by stigma. Through his TikTok platform, which boasts over 2.7 million followers, he has addressed various aspects of mental well-being, tackling topics like depression, anxiety, and stress management.
“In my videos, I aim to break down the complexities of mental health into everyday language,” he says.
“I want to help people recognize that mental health is as important as physical health. Through TikTok, I’m able to create a space where people feel comfortable engaging with these difficult conversations.”
One of his most resonant videos discussed the misconception that depression always presents itself in an obvious way.
“I talked about how many people with depression hide their struggles behind smiles, and it really struck a chord with my audience. It reminded people that mental health struggles aren’t always visible.”
Partnership with the WHO and Expanding Health Education
The WHO quickly recognized the potential in Dr Saleh’s content, particularly during the height of the pandemic.
His ability to simplify health guidelines and translate complex medical advice into digestible and relatable content led to him being featured in international media outlets like HuffPost and Good Morning America.
“My partnership with WHO allows me to amplify reliable, evidence-based information on a global scale. Together, we’re closing the gap between public health knowledge and the communities that need it the most,” he says.
For Dr Saleh, the WHO partnership underscores a new chapter in his career. No longer just a practicing doctor in underserved communities, he now sees himself as a global health educator.
“The transition to working with the WHO has allowed me to make a larger impact. I can address misinformation directly and connect people to the resources they need.”
Balancing Medicine and Content Creation
Juggling the demands of a medical career with a growing presence on TikTok requires careful time management. Dr Saleh emphasizes that setting boundaries and maintaining a routine are crucial not only for his professional responsibilities but also for his mental well-being.
“I make sure to prioritize my mental health by taking breaks and spending time with my family. This balance is essential in ensuring that I continue to create impactful content without burning out,” he shares.
His content creation process revolves around rigorous research.
“Accuracy is at the core of what I do. I spend hours researching each topic to make sure I’m providing the most reliable and up-to-date information,” he explains, crediting evidence-based guidelines from sources like the WHO to ensure his content is trustworthy.
The Power of TikTok and the Change Makers Program
Dr Saleh’s journey from frontline doctor to global health educator is emblematic of the power of TikTok as a force for social good. As part of the TikTok Change Makers Program, he is among a cohort of creators using the platform to drive meaningful impact. The program connects creators with organizations like the WHO and provides the resources they need to expand their reach.
An integral component of the TikTok Change Makers Program is the TikTok Change Makers Grant, which provides over $1 million to more than 30 non-profit organizations worldwide, supporting essential social causes.
To honor Dr Saleh’s contributions, TikTok will allocate a $25,000 donation to the WHO, enhancing both Dr Saleh’s mission and the WHO’s work in making reliable health information accessible to underserved communities globally.
“The Change Makers Program has given me the opportunity to not only continue my work but also deepen my commitment to combating misinformation and promoting health literacy,” he says.
“We are pleased to collaborate with TikTok and content creators worldwide on the TikTok Change Makers Program,” says Dr Alain Labrique, Director of the Department of Digital Health and Innovation at the World Health Organization (WHO).
“By leveraging our combined strengths, we can broaden our reach to communities globally, addressing health and other critical issues affecting people. This program enables us to connect with wider audiences, fostering creativity for meaningful advocacy and health communication.”
A Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Dr Saleh remains focused on using his platform to drive social change. He hopes to inspire other healthcare professionals to embrace digital media and use it as a tool for education and advocacy.
“TikTok has allowed me to connect with millions of people I never would have reached otherwise. I’m excited to continue growing this community and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in health education.”
As he continues his journey, his story serves as a powerful reminder of the potential for digital platforms to shape the future of global health.
Through his work with the WHO and his role as a TikTok Change Maker, Dr Saleh is proving that health education doesn’t have to be confined to the walls of a clinic—it can reach millions, break down stigmas, and change lives, one video at a time.
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