Kenya’s Dr. Claire Kinuthia among newly unveiled TikTok mental health ambassadors

Kenyan medical doctor and content creator Claire Kinuthia has been unveiled as one of TikTok’s inaugural Mental Health Ambassadors, joining a select group of African healthcare professionals tasked with championing online well-being across the continent.

The announcement was made during TikTok’s first-ever Digital Well-being Summit held in Johannesburg, South Africa, on June 26, 2025, where policymakers, mental health experts, NGOs, and tech industry leaders gathered to discuss strategies for fostering a kinder, safer digital environment.

Dr. Kinuthia joins the ranks alongside Sanam Naran and Doctor Siyamak Saleh from South Africa, and Nigeria’s Doctor Olawale Ogunlana.

Dr. Kinuthia is a consultant obstetrician/gynaecologist, mental health advocate and health educator, who is committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate care to women of all ages.

“Wellbeing is more than just the absence of illness. It’s about empowering individuals, especially women, to take charge of their health through knowledge and support. I’m honoured to be one of the mental health ambassadors for TikTok, leveraging on using content to drive change for users on the platform. Digital platforms in today’s world have become bridges to better, more inclusive healthcare,” she said of her new role.

The summit also saw TikTok roll out a comprehensive set of new tools and initiatives aimed at improving user well-being, particularly among young people.

Among the headline announcements was the expansion of TikTok’s $2.3 million (approx. Ksh.297 million) global Mental Health Education Fund to Sub-Saharan Africa.

Kenya’s Mental360 organisation was named one of the first recipients, alongside the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) and Mentally Aware Nigeria Initiative.

In a further push for regional support, TikTok revealed plans to launch local in-app helplines in several African countries, allowing users reporting content related to self-harm, suicide, hate, or harassment to access direct support services including counselling and psychological aid.

Additionally, the platform announced a new meditation feature integrated into its Sleep Hours setting, which activates automatically at 10pm for users under 18, helping young audiences build healthier digital habits and regulate emotions before bed.

TikTok Global Head of Trust and Safety Outreach, Valiant Richey, emphasized the platform’s responsibility to empower users in managing their digital experiences:

“People come to TikTok to learn, share their experiences, and connect with communities around the world. That’s why we’re proud to introduce tools that not only support digital wellbeing, but also empower our community, especially young users, with a safe, supportive space to explore and navigate complex emotions,” he said.

The summit highlighted TikTok’s growing commitment to digital safety through community-driven innovation and public-private partnerships.

As the platform continues expanding its reach in Africa, the inclusion of voices like Dr. Kinuthia’s signals a broader, more inclusive approach to tackling online harm and promoting mental wellness.