The Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA) has distanced itself from the latest misinformation being spread on social media.  

According to the organisation’s Head of Communications, Minoshni Pillay, a video making the rounds on social media and other communication applications wherein its director, Professor Salim Abdool Karim, is purported to be spreading fake news about Covid-19 vaccines and their related side effects.

Professor Karim wished to reiterate that the COVID-19 vaccines are indeed safe. 

Neither CAPRISA nor Professor Karim has endorsed any medicines for any company, Pillay said. 

“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, and to refrain from sharing misinformation, and report it as fake immediately,” Pillay said. 

The CAPRISA also provided the public with 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,” Pillay said. 

robin.francke@iol.co.za

IOL

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