Report and stop fake news
CAPRISA wishes to distance itself from the latest incident of misinformation and fake news wherein Professor Salim Abdool Karim, the Director of the Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), is purported to be spreading inaccurate information around COVID-19 vaccines and its related side effects. Abdool Karim refutes in its entirety the contents of this latest fake video that is
currently being circulated on social media sites and other communication applications. Abdool Karim wishes to reiterate that COVID-19 vaccines are indeed safe. Furthermore, neither Abdool Karim nor CAPRISA have endorsed any medicines for any company.
Standing by our commitment to protecting the safety and well-being of the public based on accurate and trusted scientific research, CAPRISA urges members of the public to verify all health claims, to refrain from sharing misinformation and to report it as fake immediately. Here is some guidance:
- Refer to credible sources such as CAPRISA, SAHPRA, the Department of Health or your trusted registered healthcare professional, for accurate health information and to verify the authenticity of health claims, products and possible actions that are being recommended.
- Report any instances of fake news found online directly to the hosting social media platform ie X, Facebook, TikTok etc.
- Refrain from sharing fake news images, videos and messaging on mobile chat groups. Should you receive a message of this nature either individually or in a chat group, you are advised to delete it immediately.
We urge you to make informed health decisions based on trusted and credible scientific evidence.
Enquiries:
Minoshni Pillay
Mobile: +27 (0) 76 451 4434
Email: minoshni.pillay@caprisa.org