WHO

  • Bloggers weave deft circles around news reports to spread Misinformation

    Several blogs are claiming that the United Nations doubts the presence of any active COVID-19 case in Nigeria. 

    The blogs promoting this claim, upon scrutiny, merely republished a twisted version of what was initially reported by Vanguard newspapers. Also, their headlines do not match the content of the reports.

    Full Text

    In early April, there were reports from some blogs suggesting that the United Nations through her Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in the country, Mr Edward Kallon, noted that she was unsure of the footprints of the Covid-19 Pandemic in Nigeria.

    These blogs further added that the UN Representative reportedly made the statement at the Covid-19 Basket Fund launch- a joint initiative of the UN and the Nigeria government held on April 6. Further, two different Facebook groups continue to amplify the report; namely, Friends of Punch Newspaper and Mazi Nnamdi Kanu Disciples that have shared the same post on their platform, drawing 6,300 and 402 shares respectively with the daily increase in comments on the platforms.

    Verification

    Consistent with fake news reports, the headlines do not match the contents of the stories. The caption illustrates this: “We are not even sure if there’s any case of COVID-19 in Nigeria – UN,” which in effect seeks to discredit the work of a major UN body, the WHO, that leads the global work in eradicating the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria, using the authority of the UN itself.

    Closer scrutiny of the report shows that it is a mangled interpretation of the Vanguard Newspaper report on the launching of the Nigeria/UN Basket Fund. While many bloggers took only the last paragraph of the UN’s representative speech, the Vanguard newspaper did not fail to mention the other dignitaries who attended the event.

    Original Premise

    Whereas most of the quotes used by the blogs and by the Vanguard newspaper drew comments from the statement issued by UN Secretary-General António Guterres titled: “The recovery from the COVID-19 crisis must lead to a different economy”. 
    Here, for example, is how the Eagle Eye framed its report when compared to the original from the Vanguard version below it.


    From Vanguard

    The comment below, which is the original from the UN shows that the basis of the Secretary-General’s statement centred on the socio-economic impact of Covid-19 across the world; not peculiar to Nigeria.


    Original UN report

    The concerns expressed over the rising case count, the spread and the effect of Covid-19 pandemic in Nigeria bear no relationship to doubts about the existence of active cases of the pandemic in Nigeria; instead, the issues have mostly been on the numerical testing capacity, the communal spread of the virus, health facilities stress among others.

  • BCG Vaccine May Cure Tuberculosis, But not COVID-19- WHO

    Recent news claiming that the Tuberculosis vaccine- BCG may be effective against Covid-19 is an important one; so much so it requires urgent investigation.

    Full Text

    This claim is rampant on WhatsApp platforms, usually citing studies that examine links between national vaccination policies and Covid-19 incidences. 

    The assumption of the claim is – given that BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guérin) vaccine provides “broad protection to respiratory infections,” it should give some protection against Covid-19. The first study of this kind observed that countries which had universal and long-standing BCG policies were less affected by Covid-19. Therefore, concluding that “BCG might confer long-lasting protection against the current strain of coronavirus”. 

    Verification 

    The World Health Organisation (WHO), the organisation which has global stewardship for public health, has addressed this claim directly. On April 12, the WHO, in recognising the dangers of misinformation at this sensitive time, stated in their scientific brief that:

    “There is no evidence that the Bacille Calmette-Guérin vaccine (BCG) protects people against infection with COVID-19 virus”. 

    The organisation further puts the claim to rest, saying that two clinical trials that seek to address these very concerns of people are underway.  

    The BCG Vaccine

    A vaccine which has existed for nearly a century is now the center of attention for hopeful global citizens. 

    Health practitioners typically use the BCG vaccine to protect children against severe forms of tuberculosis- a Mycobacterium-caused life-threatening infectious disease. Worse still, health authorities consider this disease, a leading cause of death in many parts of the world, including Nigeria. However, the BCG  vaccine is only effective against 70% to 80% of the most severe forms of TB in children, says the UK’s National Health Service.  BCG does not protect against numerous respiratory infections as the claim suggests; if this were true, we would not still need the influenza vaccine.  

    It is worth mentioning that there is no evidence to support the claims.  The BCG vaccine has no documented protective effects against any other disease but tuberculosis and interestingly, meningitis and leprosy

    Worse still, the fact that viruses such as SARSCov2 neglect to respond in like manner to bacteria further adds to our scepticism. In the same vein, the WHO occasionally reiterates that there are no confirmed vaccines for COVID-19. Also, the organisation affirms that it will be months before they approve a vaccine; adding that the agency is currently investigating about 115 possible vaccines. Hence, we can conclusively say the BCG vaccine is not a means to protect oneself against COVID-19 until reputable health authorities say otherwise. 

    The danger of such assertions 

    At this critical time in the world’s history, the search for a solution to Covid- 19 is imperative; so much so it attracts the attention of scientists, various health practitioners and ordinary citizens alike. Consequently, one must be cautious about propagating news of a cure by BCG or other vaccines until the scientific community so confirms. Similar claims have been made about chloroquine, just as is the claim about an imminent Covid-19 vaccine.  

    Conclusion

    As evidenced by the preceding, it is best to disregard this claim. That is, however, until sources of repute proclaim after much research and substantial findings say otherwise. Notwithstanding, it is understandable to see optimism in ongoing research efforts in the face of the novel coronavirus pandemic; still, citizens must remain critical and well-informed. 

  • “Infected Masks” WhatsApp Message, a Mixed Bag of Conjecture, Misplaced Truth & Outright Lies

    • China supplied 2 million masks to Africa;
    • WHO says Africa must (should) prepare for the worst;
    • China plans to distribute “infected” masks.

    While parts of the chain message are true, the author distorted the context. Findings show that in total, over 6 million masks have been shipped to several countries in Africa. And while there are reports of some returned medical-masks, it was because they were defective, not infected. Further, the author took out of context, the WHO Director-General, Chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus’ cautionary message; although factual, his advisory was not to bolster the need to reject “infected shipped masks” from China. He instead, implored the health care systems in African countries against the imminent pandemic. 

     Full text:

    According to WHO, COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus. The condition which is akin to SARS-CoV1 virus has killed many people all over the world, including China- ground zero, November 2019.

    Interestingly, China is one of the technologically advanced countries in the world, and also among the renowned producers, users and suppliers of surgical masks. Recall, the WHO already recommended use of masks among the protective measures to be taken to contain the spread of COVID-19. We guess that this could be the reason social media posts, in recent time, got an influx of both factual and malicious reports on China and masks.

    Verification

    Did China supply 2 million masks for Africans?

    Following and before the declaration of the novel coronavirus pandemic, the WHO recommended medical masks for health practitioners. These mask usually made of fibre, fabrics or gauze are one of the protective equipment to avoid spreading of coronavirus to others. The WHO, among other things, also urged doctors and other caregivers handling COVID-19 patients to wear medical masks with other protective kits, like hand gloves, gowns, etc. 

    Further, reports show that any country, state or individual using approved guidelines can manufacture these masks. Not to mention, the claim that China supplies or have supplied 2 million medical-masks to Africa is not clear as the continent has 54 countries. Also, the report did not state its source(s) or at least name any of the nations that received said masks. This omission calls the report’s integrity to account; for it is necessary, considering that all the countries in Africa now have confirmed COVID-19 cases. More so, some including Nigeria had equally banned travel to China, amongst other risk countries. 

    Similarly, the report was not clear on who supplied the mask; whether it was the Chinese government, NGOs or individuals from China? 

    Nevertheless, available records show that  Chinese billionaire, Jack Ma has supplied 1.1 million testing kits, 6 million masks, and 60,000 protective suits and face shields to 54 African countries. Also, the Chinese government’s official website says that the country has offered aid to countries in Africa and others like Ukraine.

    Be prepared!

    Yes, on March 18, 2020, the WHO Director-General, Chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said Africa should prepare for the worst as the coronavirus begins to spread locally. Ghebreyesus, an Ethiopian (East Africa,) reportedly said, “I think Africa should wake up. My continent should wake up,” He was reacting to spread of coronavirus all over the continent as South Africa that day had 116 cases. Similarly, South Africa’s health minister, Zweli Mkhize, described the outcome as explosive”; as fourteen of the cases reported that day were from local transmission out of which six patients were children under ten years. New York Times and Aljazeera also published the said report.

    Defective masks not “infected” masks

    Premium Times reported that countries like the Netherlands rejected or recalled face masks imported from China for discovering that they were substandard (the manufacturers did not adequately cover their defective filters). Spain, Turkey, Australia and others equally rejected and banned protective kits for various reasons; not that they were “infectious”. New York Times has similar reports of how some companies in China and the US started churning out substandard COVID-19 protective kits and vaccines. 

    But, the Chinese government, through its official website, claimed the government was supplying quality COVID19 kits to the globe. However, the government later placed a ban on unauthorised exports of coronavirus kits; as some of these masks were not for medical use. In truth, the WHO already intimated the terrible implications that abound from improper use of these medical masks.

    Conclusion

    This WhatsApp chain message is a textbook case of information misappropriation- an instance of stretched-out truths, inferences and outright lies. In reality, this is the sort of format, falsehoods have assumed in this period.

    So to recap: The WHO Director-General entreated healthcare systems in the Global South regarding the pandemic; China shipped some COVID-19 kits, also noting some to be substandard; both unrelated incidents. Yet, through imagination and malicious intent, the author managed to juxtapose both occurrences into one sensational circular. And, what was the binding agent? A lie!

    This account, emphasises the need to verify a message before sharing; this is especially true for chain messages with a variety of claims- the chances are that the author intermingled a lie with truths placed out of context. So, when you see such, ensure to send us these claims, and we’ll do our best to set the record straight.

  • COVID-19 Immunisation Plot is a Hoax!

    Chain message warns against accepting immunisation from coronavirus; says they are rather implanting COVID-19 through the said vaccine.

    The whole plot screams foul play! First, no news platform has published anything close, besides this, WHO has said there’s no vaccine yet for the virus. Also, a reverse image search proved that the claim-author manipulated one of the many images shared by health workers to encourage people to stay home during this trying time.

    Full Text

    A viral image on WhatsApp warns against accepting immunisation from coronavirus because they are implanting it through the vaccine.  Although this message seems unclear, we believe the writer was trying to say that readers should refuse to be immunised because vaccines are being used to infect people with the virus.

    The image shows a picture of a white doctor holding a white paper with a display text, which reads: “To all Africans, don’t accept to be immunised from coronavirus cause they’re implanting it through the vaccine.”

    Verification

    Once you see the word vaccine, it triggers curiosity causing one to wonder if there is now a cure for the disease; sadly, the answer remains the same -NO- we checked. The World Health Organization’s pronouncement on COVID-19 cure still stands; there’s no vaccine or any specific antiviral medicine that cures or prevents the disease. However, if infected, symptoms can be relieved. It is also worthy to note that some vaccines and treatments are under investigation.

    In addition, we found no directive from the Nigerian government that permits immunization. Even if there is any, it would have been publicised by the media, considering that a vaccine for COVID-19 is a global expectation. Therefore if you get a hint or come across anyone immunizing for coronavirus you should blow the whistle.

    Actual Premise

    Dubawa checks revealed the original image from which the author made the WhatsApp manipulation.

    More so, in furtherance to disproving this claim, we found other results from March 18:

    Further search reveals more pictures of health workers displaying the same message on their placards.

    Evidently, our claim-source manipulated a picture to send his message; the reason behind these actions remains unknown. This only serves as an example of the length fake news perpetrators can go to gain relevance. 

  • 10 Tips for Identifying Fake News

    COVID-19 is here, and it’s currently the biggest deal. The disease caused by the new coronavirus (SARSCOV-2) has cast a dark shadow over the world, causing panic, infections and death around the globe. The whole world is in fear as there is no known cure for the virus. Consequently, many countries of the world are on lockdown, taking preventive measures as provided by the World Health Organization – WHO.

    Also, it seems the accompanying misinformation owing to the pandemic is just as deadly. These falsehoods range from inaccurate facts about cures and the pandemic spreadthose who are infected and others. As a result, fear and panic abound! The situation is indeed dire as we all need our wits about us to get through this. 

    So, while health practitioners race to find a cure, fact-checkers are locked in a game of “whack-a-mole”, judiciously dousing the fires of misinformation, purveyors lit. Our strategy also includes partnerships amongst other things; enter tech giants such as Facebook and Google, even Twitter, all lending a hand to stop this infodermic.  

    Speaking of Facebook, here are the platform’s ten tips on identifying fake news: 

    Be sceptical of headlines 

    Firstly, check your headlines; these are the giveaway. Misleading content often has catchy headlines in all caps with exclamation points. If shocking claims in the headline sound unbelievable, they probably are. Social media has made it very easy and comfortable for people to access news contents. With this ease, has come the risk of being played; being exposed to fake news because many people tend to read headlines and leave the body texts. This practice is not efficient as fake news perpetrators now use headlines to lure people to their site, misinform and disinform. (refer to this for better understanding)

    Look closely at the link

    A phoney or look-alike link may be a warning sign of false news. Many malicious news sites mimic authentic news sources by making small changes to the URL. You can go to the website to compare the link to established sources.

    Investigate the source

    Scrutinise the byline. Is the author a reliable reference you trust with a reputation for accuracy? If the story comes from an unfamiliar organization, check their “About” section to learn more. (you might also want to read this)

    Watch for unusual formatting

    Many false news sites have misspellings or strange layouts. Ensure you read with caution if you see these signs. (see how dubawa debunked this claim)

    Consider the photos 

    False news stories often contain manipulated images or videos. Sometimes the picture may be authentic but taken out of context. You can search for the photo or image to ascertain its origin.

    Inspect the dates 

    Additionally, false content may contain timelines that make no sense or altered event dates.

    Check the evidence 

    Also, check the author’s sources to confirm that they are accurate. Lack of evidence or reliance on unnamed experts may indicate a false news story.

    Look at other reports

    If no other news source is reporting the same story, it may indicate that the story is false. If multiple credible sources corroborate the account, then it’s likely true. 

    Is the story a joke? 

    Furthermore, sometimes, false news stories can be hard to distinguish from humour or satire. Check whether the source is a parody account; also examine the story’s details as its tone might suggest it to be just for fun.

    Some stories are intentionally false 

    Think critically about the stories you read, and only share the news that you know to be credible. This rationale holds and is especially pertinent given the disinformative nature of some reports such as this

    This article is an edited version written by Facebook, here.

  • COVID-19 Still Without A Definitive Cure, Amid Clinical Trials

    A Facebook post asserts the US developed a COVID-19 vaccine she plans to release this Sunday.

    Currently, there are still no definitive and institutionalised vaccines for COVID-19; nonetheless, research persists and holds potential solutions.

    Full Text

    Facebook post, making the rounds on WhatsApp claims that the United States of America has developed a vaccine for COVID-19. The message further asserts that this novel vaccine can cure the virus in just three hours! The viral report also claimed that President Donald Trump said that Roche Medical Company, life-science company, will launch the vaccine this Sunday.

    Verification

    Firstly, CDD checks revealed in reviewing the authenticity of the claim found that the alleged Covid-19 IgM/IgG is a testing kit for COVID-19 and not a vaccine. Fact-checkers also discovered that Sungentech, a South Korean firm, developed the equipment; it thus, had nothing to do with Roche Medical Company.

    Besides, a review of the Sugentech official website shows it has Covid-19 IgM/IgG listed as parts of its products. 

    Courtesy: Sungentech
    Courtesy: Sungentech
    Excerpt from Sungentech

    Race to Vaccine Mountain

    Different reports suggest the ongoing research efforts for a COVID-19 vaccine or cure by several institutions and countries. However, there is still no official vaccination available yet. Indeed, the Guardian reports about 35 companies and academic institutions in this race; noting that four of these began testing on animals.

    Meanwhile, the World Health Organization notes she has to rigorously test via multiple trials any solutions proffered; to ensure its safety and efficacy.

    Further, Roche reportedly launched a global phase 3 trial to test its arthritis med Actemra for severe COVID-19 pneumonia. Also, there are reports of this medication’s shipment to the United States.

    Conclusion

    It is evident the US neither approved not plan to release a COVID-19 vaccine this Sunday. While Actemra, the arthritis medication has shown good signs and bagged an FDA approval for trials against COVID-19 patients, it is no definite cure. 

    Fact Checkers at the CDD advises everyone to be conscious of false claims associated with coronavirus. Instead, keep your ears peeled for corroborated information from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).

    This fact-check is an edited version with the original here

  • I’m I At Risk of COVID-19 From Purchasing Second-hand Clothing?

    Viral WhatsApp message advises against purchasing used clothing as they expose buyers to COVID-19.

    While health experts have not ascertained the exact length of time COVID-19 stays active on fabrics, the WHO suggests a low probability of infection via package delivery. This rationale holds as studies show environmental changes and time affect the activeness of COVID-19; all of which are present in shipping clothing from another country. Furthermore, the assertion is not feasible as most countries with index cases have placed forms of travel and trade restriction.

    Full Text

    “It would be better now and for your safety and that of your children to avoid the use of newly acquired used clothing.” The quote mentioned above is an excerpt from a WhatsApp message we received last week. The text warns readers to be cautious when shopping for clothes; to get new and not used garments amid the pandemic. The author believes that clothes of index victims are being discarded and sold to Africans.

    WhatsApp Message

    It further advises readers to share the message as much as possible to get to other people. While this message seems almost logical, a sceptical mind wonders how reasonable its inferences are. Let’s move away from speculations and find out what the facts hold.

    Verification

    Firstly, the World Health Organization (WHO) states that a carrier of COVID-19 can infect another person through droplets from either sneezing or coughing; the other is at risk if said droplets touch eyes, nose or mouth.

    From this, we understand that a person can not contract COVID-19 by merely touching infected surfaces and objects, but by putting the contaminated hand in his mouth, nose or eyes.

    How long does the virus stay on surfaces and the objects they infect?

    The next logical verification step is ascertaining the viruses “shelf life” on surfaces. For this, several pieces of research surmise different durations ranging from hours to days. Further, the Who suggests COVID-19 behaves similar to other coronaviruses in that factors like the type of surface, temperature and humidity play a role in the duration of its viability, post transmission.

    A BBC publication spoke to this fact. The report referenced studies which show that SARS, MERS, and other coronaviruses without disinfection, can survive on metal, glass and plastic for as long as nine days. The article further added that in low temperatures, some of the viruses could remain for 28 days.

    The column also refers to a study in the New England Journal of Medicine which compares the stability of SARS-COV-1 and SARS-COV-2 in five environmental conditions (aerosols, plastic, stainless steel, copper, and cardboard).

    From the research work, BBC deduced that COVID-19 could survive in droplets for up to three hours after being coughed out into the air but goes extinct on copper after four hours. The virus can live longer on cardboard – up to 24 hours – and up to 2-3 days on plastic and stainless-steel surfaces.

    Unanswered questions and WHO’s Advice

    As established in the preceding, research is still ongoing, and no research pieces are explaining how long the infection stays on clothing. 

    Nonetheless, the WHO already issued advice for this sort of situation.

    ‘If you think a surface may be infected, clean it with simple disinfectant to kill the virus and protect yourself and others. Clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, or nose.’

    World Health Organisation

    Inference and “common sense.”

    Furthermore, the WHO suggests a low probability of infection via package delivery from an infected area. This assertion sits right within such parameters.  

    ‘The likelihood of an infected person contaminating commercial goods is low, and the risk of catching the virus that causes COVID-19 from a package that has been moved, travelled, and exposed to different conditions and temperature is also low.’

    World Health Organisation

    Going by this, the risk if any of COVID-19 transmission from these clothes is low; seeing as their transport would involve different weather conditions and environments, not to mention a length of time. 

    More so, the fact that many affected countries have closed their borders rules out this possibility. Nigeria for one had imposed travel bans and suspended international flights from its Lagos and Abuja international airports. 

    Last Resort

    Let’s assume for a second that these infected clothes still make their way to a customer, what then? The consensus for second-hand clothing is to wash before use. This rationale holds for the average Nigerian. Following the WHO’s advice on disinfecting surfaces and regular handwashing as safety methods, one can easily infer washing clothes could eliminate the risk just as well. Still, this is all inference and logic. Going by facts, the probability of this is slim to none.

    Regardless, best practices regarding personal hygiene have never been more imperative. Regular hand washing and clothes washing; leaving in a clean environment via disinfection; all go a long way to keeping you and your family safe during this pandemic.

  • COVID-19 Fact Sheet

    Key facts

    Source: WHO
    • Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that cause illnesses ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome( SARS-Cov).
    •  This disease is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person.
    • It is also a new strain discovered in 2019, which has not been [previously identified in humans.
    • WHO reports of no official vaccines yet for COVID-19; neither is there a cure, even though there are potential treatments, these are not definitive.
    • The best way to prevent being infected is to take necessary preventive measures.

    Prevalence

    • Covid-19 has affected 222,643 thousand people globally, with older people more susceptible to the disease.
    • Reports place the death toll at 9,1115 with over 84506 recovered patients.
    • Coronavirus is now pandemic which has killed over 9.115 persons with 84506 recoveries made. 
    • There are mild cases and severe ones as well. The mild ones are due to the response of the body’s immune system and its ability to contain the virus. ( mostly in young adults).

    Causes & Symptoms

    Source: WHO

    The disease Covid19 is caused by the virus designated, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). So far, health experts suggest respiratory droplets from an individual to be a prominent method of transmission. It can also be transmitted if a person touches the surface that houses the infected droplets and then touches any sensitive openings of the body, i.e. mouth, nose and eyes. So far, these are the known symptoms:

    • Respiratory illness
    • Fever
    • Dry cough,
    • Sneezing
    • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
    • Body Aches
    • Runny nose
    • Sore throat

    How does it spread?

    Source: WHO
    1. Coronavirus spreads through direct contact: Respiratory droplets of “an infected” person or by touching surfaces that are contaminated.
    2. The symptoms include coughing, sneezing, etc.
    3. Wear a mask if: infected or display respiratory symptoms (coughing or sneezing) to protect others; if not, there is no need to wear a mask. 
    4. There is no cure yet.

    “How can my family and I stay safe?”

    Source: WHO
    1. Wash your hands frequently: Firstly, the regular act of thorough handwashing with soap under running water at intervals is an essential way to prevent being infected. Health institutes have surmised the “happy birthday” song is the duration it takes for handwashing. 
    2. Regular use of hand sanitizer: WHO also advises we utilise alcohol-based sanitizers; this is especially important in scenarios where we cannot practice frequent handwashing. Note, this is a simple alternative (where necessary) and not a replacement to basic hand hygiene (handwashing). Some people choose to utilise both methods; this is not compulsory.
    3. Maintain social distancing: Furthermore, avoid anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness like coughing and sneezing, cold or general flu-like symptoms. The rationale behind this being that the flu droplets from such person may contain the virus, and you risk infection from inhaling said droplets.
    4. The deliberate effort of not touching eyes, nose and mouth: Your hands’ unavoidably touches many surfaces and can pick the virus up. The contaminated hands if not washed, can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth, which is easy access for the virus to enter the body.
    5. Practice excellent and continuous respiratory hygiene: Make sure to practice good respiratory hygiene that is, covering your mouth with a flexed elbow when sneezing or coughing, or with a paper tissue and dispose of immediately.

    Are you feeling sick with flu-like symptoms? Do not panic. Stay home and seek urgent medical attention.

  • Coronavirus Taking Malaria’s Spotlight?

    Garba Shehu said 822 people are killed by malaria daily in Nigeria.

    Based on the findings from the WHO, a United Nations health agency, the claim by the presidential spokesperson is false. Using a WHO estimate, we infer the malaria-caused death toll to be around 260.

    Full Text

    GARBA Shehu, Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to President Muhammadu Buhari on March 1, expressed his dissatisfaction with the media blitz on Coronavirus.

    The presidential aide wondered why the media would focus attention on the disease outbreak rather than other illnesses killing Nigerians.

    Two weeks ago on Friday, it could be recalled the Federal Ministry of Health officially announced Nigeria’s first COVID-19 case.

    However, since he made the post, the claim has made headlines in major Nigerian newspapers.

    The tweet in less than 24 hours has gathered over 2,400 likes and 716 retweets as many Nigerians now asking President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration to prioritise the country’s health sector.

    Verification

    The ICIR put a call through to Shehu to validate the claim. He, however, did not respond to the request. They followed up with text messages which he still did not respond too, as at the time of filing this report. This reporter further sent a tweet to him and awaits a response.

    Our Findings 

    Data from the World Health Organisation suggests that Nigeria recorded the highest cases of malaria in the world in recent years. The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) closely followed this statistic; according to WHO’ ss Global Malaria Programme (GHP)– the coordinating unit that controls and eliminates malaria.

    Furthermore, UNICEF surmises that children under age five are most vulnerable to the disease, and often fall victim to it.

    Excerpt from a WHO report; courtesy: ICIR

    While a 2018 report by WHO paints a dire picture of malaria in sub-Saharan Africa and India, it certainly does not suggest Nigeria has a daily malaria death toll in the eight-hundreds’. The report, however, did note that out of the 435,000 malaria-caused deaths globally, Nigeria had an estimate of 43,700 in the year reviewed. This figure accounted for 19% of global malaria deaths, DRC followed with 11%.

    A further breakdown of 43, 700 deaths recorded in 2017, therefore implies that 120 deaths were recorded daily in Nigeria.

    Do the figures add up?

    Furthermore, the latest World Malaria Report, published on 4th December 2019, sings a similar tune. The document notes a global occurrence of 228 million malaria cases in 2018. Out of this figure, nineteen countries in the Sub Saharan and India bore almost 85 per cent of the global burden. Additionally, Nigeria accounted for an estimated number of about 405, 000 casualties globally. From these deaths, due to Malaria parasite, Nigeria reportedly accounted for almost 25 per cent.

    Again, from the same report, it stated that “Malaria deaths reduced from about 400 000 in 2010 to about 260 000 in 2018, the largest reduction being in Nigeria, from almost 153 000 deaths in 2010 to about 95 000 deaths in 2018.”

    So, to be modest, if we are to adopt the quoted figure of 95,000 deaths in 2018, it means 260 deaths were recorded daily due to malaria.

    Conclusion

    It is important to note that while these are estimates, the figure we derived is three times lower than that put forward by the presidential spokesperson. We achieved this by dividing the estimated number of 95,000 by 365 days, giving us 260 deaths daily; a value which is three times lower than 822. This margin of error completely nullifies such a suggestion. 

    This fact-check is an edited version of an ICIR publication. 

  • Sex Will NOT Kill Coronavirus!

    A viral image stated that Constant sex kills coronavirus.

    Sex cannot kill or cure coronavirus, the science does not add up. Rather such close contact with an infected person will expose the partner to the disease.

    Full Text

    Constant sex kills coronavirus, breaking news live from CNN. This message appended on an image has been on display across Whatsapp groups and other media recently. The image featured CNN’s, Wolf Blitzer

    Following the outbreak of Covid-19, misinformation regarding the virus has since been a major conversation on social media. What’s more, fake news regarding the pandemic shows no signs of slowing down. We have seen circulars asserting the curative effects of garlic, chloroquine and even cocaine, against coronavirus.

    In a string of bizarre trends comes another allegation that constant sex kills coronavirus.

    Verification

    Another example of a meme generator

    Dubawa checks revealed this is not the first instance of the would-be CNN frame. A reverse image search revealed the same picture used earlier with the caption “Alcohol kills coronavirus”. In this instance, the frame (which is most-likely a meme generator template), we surmise took a CNN report out of context. The publication advised its readers to utilize an alcohol-based sanitizer to ensure hygiene amid the coronavirus epidermic.

    Excerpt from CNN

    Additionally, Pesacheck noted a few irregularities when comparing the frame with CNN’s font style.  

    Image of a legitimate CNN broadcast; courtesy, PesaCheck

    Hold on, wait a minute

    Let us not forget, WHO listed known ways of contracting the virus; among which, proximity and bodily fluids rank high. Why is this important, you ask? It is noteworthy as this claim suggesting sex as a “killer” of coronavirus is rather counterintuitive.

    Sex is more of a risk factor than a cure

    Sex is an activity that has to do body contact. This is the first red flag. Coitus or sex involves close contact, close contact means interaction with body fluids. And, as we noted earlier, this is a sure way of coronavirus transmission when an infected part is involved. 

    The standard recommendation by WHO to prevent the spread of the virus includes regular hand washing as well as covering of mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing. 

    In other news…

    WHO notes a list of myths regarding the virus.

    Source: Taiwan Fact Check Centre
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