Durban: The Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA) has condemned the dissemination of inaccurate information regarding COVID-19 vaccines and their associated side effects. This comes after a recent incident of misinformation making the rounds on the internet.
According to South African Government News Agency, the deepfake video features SABC news anchor Oliver Dickson ‘interviewing’ Professor Salim Abdool Karim, the Director of CAPRISA. During the fabricated interview, Abdool Karim is falsely portrayed as claiming that the COVID-19 vaccine is causing harm and resulting in fatalities. CAPRISA has publicly refuted these claims, with Karim stating that the video is entirely fake and misleading.
The AIDS research centre has reiterated that COVID-19 vaccines are indeed safe. “Furthermore, neither Abdool Karim nor CAPRISA have endorsed any medicines for any company,” the statement clarified. CAPRISA emphasized its commitment to protecting public safety through accurate and trusted scientific research, urging the public to verify all health claims, refrain from sharing misinformation, and report fake information immediately.
The centre has encouraged citizens to consult credible sources for accurate health information, such as CAPRISA, the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA), the Department of Health, or a trusted registered healthcare professional. It also stressed the importance of verifying the authenticity of health claims, products, and any suggested actions.
Meanwhile, CAPRISA has urged citizens to report any instances of fake news encountered online to the social media platforms hosting the content, such as X, Facebook, and TikTok, and to avoid sharing fake news images, videos, and messages 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,” CAPRISA advised.