Inhaling steam over 100°C will “disintegrate” the coronavirus, because it is “fat”.
Source: Tanzanian president John Magufuli (22 April 2020)
There is no scientific evidence that very high temperatures or inhaling steam “kills” Covid-19.
Alcohol weakens the immune system, making it difficult for the body to fight infections such as Covid-19.
Source: South African government on Twitter (2 April 2020)
Several studies have shown that alcohol use, particularly the binge drinking common in South Africa, reduces the body’s ability to fight infection.
Two claims about rape statistics in South Africa
Source: Advocacy organisation Rape Crisis (February 2020)
One unproven, one misleading
Meat with bubbles and white spots is infected with tuberculosis, and dangerous to eat.
Source: WhatsApp message
White spots in meat are a sign that the animal had TB, but infected meat is unlikely to be sold in formal markets and is safe to eat if thoroughly cooked.
The global spread of the Covid-19 disease has led to unprecedented measures around the world. But spreading almost as fast has been misinformation. [LAST UPDATED: 30 SEP 2020]
South Africa’s caesarean rates are twice the globally accepted average.
Source: Gauteng MEC Bandile Masuku, January 2020
There is no official recommended caesarean section rate, and the WHO told Africa Check that women should have the procedure if needed.
“40% of the medicines sold in Africa are fake.”
Source: A Twitter user (21 January 2020)
This statistic is often attributed to the WHO. But the agency says while it did find that 42% of the medicines reported to it between 2013 and 2017 were fake, this data does not represent the situation in Africa.
Three claims about cancer in Nigeria
Source: Vice president Yemi Osinbajo (January 2020)
One correct, one mostly correct, one incorrect
This year, Africa Check’s Nigeria office seemed to face more false claims than there are hours in the day. And the most worrying of these were about health.
11 claims about Nigeria’s 'mental health problem'
Source: News organisation Al Jazeera (10 October 2019)
Three correct or mostly correct, one misleading, two unproven, five incorrect