UN Launches ‘ChatHRP’ AI Tool to Combat Health Misinformation and Deliver Trusted SRHR Evidence

In a significant step toward tackling the global spread of health misinformation, a United Nations-backed research programme has launched ChatHRP, an AI-powered tool designed to provide fast, reliable, and evidence-based information on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR).

Currently in beta testing, the platform aims to support policymakers, healthcare workers, researchers, and civil society actors by offering verified answers drawn exclusively from World Health Organization (WHO) and HRP research and guidance—setting it apart from general-purpose AI tools that often rely on unverified internet data.

A Targeted Solution to a Growing Information Crisis

The launch comes at a time when the rapid expansion of digital information—often unregulated—has made it increasingly difficult to distinguish credible health guidance from misinformation.

Recent research supported by HRP has identified misinformation in SRHR as a systemic global challenge, with far-reaching consequences. It not only undermines informed decision-making but also affects health systems, legal frameworks, and human rights outcomes.

ChatHRP directly addresses this issue by ensuring that every response is grounded in scientifically validated and policy-aligned evidence, reducing the risk of misinformation in sensitive and high-impact health areas.

How ChatHRP Works

Developed by the UNDP/UNFPA/UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP), the tool leverages:

• Advanced natural language processing (NLP)

• Retrieval-augmented generation (RAG)

• A curated database of WHO and HRP publications

This enables users to receive precise, referenced answers in real time, eliminating the need to manually search through lengthy reports or multiple platforms.

The system is also designed for global accessibility, featuring:

• Multilingual capabilities

• Low-bandwidth functionality, ensuring usability in resource-constrained settings

Designed for Real-World Decision Making

ChatHRP is tailored for a wide range of professional users:

• Policymakers can access up-to-date evidence for informed policy development

• Researchers can quickly locate credible sources for academic work

• Healthcare workers can stay updated on clinical guidelines and best practices

• Civil society organisations can verify information for advocacy and rights-based campaigns

The tool is capable of addressing highly specific and technical queries, such as:

• Guidelines for managing diabetes during pregnancy

• Recommendations for preventing postpartum haemorrhage (PPH)

• Compatibility of PrEP and contraception

• Use of IUDs during breastfeeding

• Regional data on violence against women

If the system cannot immediately provide an answer, users are encouraged to submit feedback, allowing continuous improvement during the beta phase.

Filling a Critical Gap in Global Health Information

Unlike general AI tools, ChatHRP is domain-specific, focusing exclusively on SRHR—a field often affected by stigma, political sensitivity, and misinformation.

By guiding users directly to rigorously developed and validated sources, the platform ensures that health decisions are based on evidence rather than opinion or algorithm-driven content.

A Step Toward Health Equity and Rights

The initiative reinforces a broader global principle: access to accurate health information is a fundamental right.

As misinformation continues to spread rapidly across digital platforms, tools like ChatHRP are increasingly seen as essential for protecting public health, strengthening healthcare systems, and advancing gender equality and human rights.

Looking Ahead

During its beta phase, ChatHRP will be refined based on user feedback, with regular updates as new WHO and HRP research becomes available. If successfully scaled, it could become a critical global resource for evidence-based health decision-making, particularly in underserved and low-resource settings.

In an era of information overload, ChatHRP offers a focused, trustworthy alternative—bridging the gap between complex research and practical, real-world application.