Fact-check: No evidence low sugar intake, hot lemon juice and organic coconut oil can cure cancer

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There is no scientific evidence that supports the claim. 

Writer: Beatrice Amude Paulino 

A message circulating on WhatsApp claims that a ‘Dr. Gupta’ says: “No one should die of cancer except due to carelessness.”

The message also lists some steps to back up the statement: The first step is to stop all sugar intake; without sugar in your body, cancer cells can die naturally. The second step is to drink hot lemon juice for three months before eating food, and the third step is to drink three tablespoons of coconut oil morning and night.

The claim, which has also been shared here on Facebook,  adds that the steps will eliminate cancer cells in the body.

Screenshot of the claims as shared on WhatsApp (2).

No, stopping sugar intake cannot kill cancer:

211 Check investigated the claim and discovered that, according to the US National Cancer Institute, cancer cells usually multiply quickly, which takes a lot of energy. The primary energy source in our bodies is glucose, which comes from sugar. Cancer cells also need lots of nutrients such as fats and amino acids. 

“Cancer cells, like all cells, require nourishment to flourish. Sugar is a significant fuel source but is far from the only one cancer needs,” says Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK), a US-based research institute.

Can drinking hot lemon juice for three months cure cancer?

In the second step, the claim stated that hot lemon juice for three months could cure cancer.

Cancer Research UK, a registered charity that provides cancer information to the public, says that lemons contain properties like pectin, which, when modified, is an alternative therapy. 

Still, according to the National Center for Health Research, lemons are not proven or considered a remedy for fighting any type of cancer. No studies have been done to compare the effectiveness of lemon juice to chemotherapy. 

Can taking three tablespoons of organic coconut oil morning and night cure cancer?

The third step claims that taking three tablespoons of organic coconut oil morning and night will make the cancer ‘disappear’. The claim doesn’t specify how long this should be done.

The Harvard School of Public Health says that although coconut oil has many health benefits, they are tied to oil with a special formulation made of 100% medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which is not available in coconut oil usually found in commercial stores. Also, coconut oil mainly contains lauric acid, which is not an MCT but has been found to inhibit the growth of colon cancer cells. However, it is not established as a cure. 

Furthermore, the  World Health Organization(WHO) fact sheet has not mentioned any scientific proof supporting lemon, a sugar-free diet, or organic coconut oil curing cancer.

211 Check also found debunks by Africa Check, Full Fact, and Factly, which disputed the claims and the doctor.

Conclusion:

211 Check finds the claim that hot lemon water, sugar-free diets, and organic coconut oil can cure cancer unproven. The claim is a long-running social media hoax, and no scientific data or studies have shown that lemon, a sugar-free diet, and organic coconut oil can cure cancer.

This fact check was published by 211 Check with support from Code for Africa’s PesaCheck and African Fact-Checking Alliance.

To ensure accuracy and transparency, we at 211 Check welcome corrections from our readers. If you spot an error in this article, please request a correction using this form. Our team will review your request and make the necessary corrections immediately, if any.It’s vital to fight misinformation and disinformation in the media by avoiding fake news. Don’t share content you’re uncertain about. False information can harm and mislead people, risking lives—Fact-check before sharing. For more details, visit https://211check.org/ or message us on WhatsApp at +211 917 298 255. #FactsMatter

Fact-check: No, “Gammora” does not cure HIV/AIDS. It’s not a licenced medication

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No, there is no cure for HIV/AIDS. It can, however, be managed using antiretroviral drugs, which stop the virus from replicating in the patient’s body.

Writer: Beatrice Amude Paulino

A Facebook page claiming to offer a new, approved, and tested final cure for HIV/AIDS – “Gammora” in Juba, South Sudan, is unproven.

On June 30, 2023,  Dr Shamir Care shared a poster with a text that partially reads: “GET a Kit today and regain your negative status back… Our new approved and tested final cure for HIV/AIDS...”  

The sponsored poster claims the service is available in Juba and directs interested people to talk to their team through a WhatsApp number linked to the post.

Screenshot of the poster as it appears on Facebook.

The post’s author then responds to enquiries about testimonies and physical location by asking them to reach out to the number provided, which raises suspicion.

The author can be seen replying to Facebook comments.

Other social media users, such as  Peter Garang Ngor Ayok, warned people about the advert in a published Facebook post. “The social media advert about HIV/AIDS cure circulating is malicious and meant to scam the people of South Sudan,” reads part of his post.

Investigation:

When contacted by 211 Check via WhatsApp, Dr Shamir Care responded that they offer tablets and injections in cash on a delivery basis. They do not have a physical location.

‘’You can buy tablets at 300$ It depends on which one you can afford, and all cures completely without the virus returning to your body… The brand name is Gammora, and it is available in Juba (sic).’’

A previous article in September 2022 by 211 Check established that Gammora does not cure HIV/AIDS.

Dr Leju Benjamin Modi, HIV Testing Services (HTS) Optimisation Advisor in the PEPFAR-supported HIV Care and Treatment Program in South Sudan at the Ministry of Health, said in a WhatsApp message, “As a medic and based on available data, there is no cure for HIV/AIDS yet. South Sudan’s Ministry of Health has not approved the sale of such a cure in the country” when asked to comment.

In January last year, the South Sudan Drugs and Food Control Authority (DFA) said it would start clamping down on unauthorised individuals involved in the importation of drugs. Secretary General for the authority Mawien Atem Mawien said after a public outcry that some medicines were ineffective, advising people to get malaria treatment from certified health facilities.

211 Check also contacted Dr Thomas Taban, a medical practitioner at Juba Teaching Hospital who dismissed claims of an HIV cure. “The people claiming to be curing HIV are scammers,” said Taban in response to 211 Check.

The World Health Organization(WHO) says there is no cure for HIV/AIDS. It is, however, treated with antiretroviral drugs, which stop the virus from replicating in the body.

“Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) does not cure HIV infection but allows a person’s immune system to get stronger,’’ reads WHO. 

Conclusion:

211 Check finds the claim of Gammora as a cure for HIV/AIDS unproven. There is currently no cure for HIV/AIDS, although there have been advancements in the search for a cure. HIV/AIDS can only be managed through ART, a lifelong treatment that suppresses the replication of HIV in the body. 

This fact check was published by 211 Check with support from Code for Africa’s PesaCheck and the African Fact-Checking Alliance.    

To ensure accuracy and transparency, we at 211 Check welcome corrections from our readers. If you spot an error in this article, please request a correction using this form. Our team will review your request and make the necessary corrections immediately, if any.

It’s vital to fight misinformation and disinformation in the media by avoiding fake news. Don’t share content you’re uncertain about. False information can harm and mislead people, risking their lives. Fact-check before sharing. For more details, visit https://211check.org/ or message us on WhatsApp at +211 917 298 255. #FactsMatter.

Fact-check: Anonymous Sudan Group, NOT South Sudanese hackers  

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An unproven claim of “South Sudanese hackers” bringing down Kenya’s eCitizen platform amidst a series of cyberattacks targeting various government and private institutions, allegedly linked to the hacking group known as Anonymous Sudan

Writers: Jibi Moses, Ochaya Jackson and Emmanuel Bida

On July 27, 2023, a tweet claimed that “South Sudanese hackers” had brought down the Kenyan eCitizen platform, but this is unproven.

“South Sudanese hackers bring down Kenya’s eCitizen platform, ICT Ministry Confirms,” the tweet reads.

The same claim, “South Sudanese hackers,” was repeated by other users on X here, here, and here.

A screenshot of the claim as posted on Twitter

The cyber attack on Kenya

Kenya’s cyberspace this week has been infiltrated by cyberattacks that targeted different government IT infrastructures, institutions, and private sectors. The attackers launched distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks that overwhelmed various institutions’ Information Technology assets and rendered their services unavailable to the public.

On Thursday, the Kenyan government issued a statement acknowledging the attacks but saying the hackers failed to compromise the institutional IT infrastructure.

“Over the past week, unsuccessful cyberattack attempts have targeted the Government and private sectors. For clarity, the data’s privacy and security were not compromised. The system was not hacked,” reads the Kenyan government’s statement on Thursday.

The prime target of the attacks has been the Kenyan government’s e-Citizen Portal, which has most of the data from all government institutions. The Kenyan government noticed that the attacks disabled targeted systems and made them inaccessible. Still, the security architecture in place thwarted the attacker’s operations to take control of the target systems.

“The relevant Government of Kenya agencies are on high alert and have enhanced the security of the e-Citizen portal and all Government Services Sites. All Systems and Portals under the control of the Government of Kenya are safe. The Government will continue its cyber-surveillance efforts and encourage the Public and Private sectors to heighten their cyber surveillance efforts so that jointly, we secure Kenya’s Cyberspace.”

What is a DDoS attack?

A distributed denial of service (DDoS), according to Cloud Flare, is a malicious attempt to disrupt the regular traffic of a target server, service, or network by overwhelming the target or its surrounding infrastructure with a flood of internet traffic.

And CompTIA states that DDoS manipulates computer systems, properly works network equipment and services, exploits normal behaviour, and sniffs IT protocols to find vulnerabilities to penetrate its targets or victims. 211Check researched DDoS this year and wrote an explainer detailing its prevention or mitigation by an entity or individual.

Who claimed responsibility for the attack?

According to media reports, the cyberattacks on Kenya’s critical infrastructure have been linked to the hacking group that branded itself as Anonymous Sudan. The group has gained global prominence with attacks on critical government infrastructure in various countries worldwide.

A screenshot of the Anonymous Sudan Telegram Channel

Anonymous Sudan background

According to the ThreatMon report, Anonymous Sudan crippled various institutions through their attacks in Sweden, Denmark, France, Australia, and Germany. As the report indicated, the group is allegedly pro-Russia and targets government institutions, hospitals, and airport services of countries they believe to be against Sudan.

The report added that the hacking group started earlier this year, in 2023, after launching their Telegram Group with a proclamation to attack any country against Sudan.

The cyberattacks impact

This media report also details that the cyber attacks in Kenya targeted banks, telecommunication companies, media websites, university websites, hospitals, and transport agencies, which, according to the group, was retaliation against Kenya’s government because of its statement against Sudanese sovereignty.

“The impact of the attack is being felt on the ground. Many mainstream services (such as rail and electricity tokens) rely on Mpesa payments and government services on eCitizen. This raises the question of our country’s level of preparedness, yet, it serves as a wake-up call for developing more resilient systems.” Dan Kingori, Kenyan Cybersecurity Engineer at Web for All, tells 211 Check.

“There have been numerous theories on who is to blame. But it’s terrifying. Coincidentally, the Worldcoin rollout is taking place at this time.” he adds.

The attacks reportedly suspended over 5,000 public services for 48 hours and disrupted the financial payment (M-PESA) system. 

Conclusion 

211 Check finds the claim that South Sudanese hackers brought down the Kenyan government’s eCitizen platform unproven. Anonymous Sudan, a collective of hackers, has claimed responsibility for several Distributed-Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks on critical online services in Kenya.

To ensure accuracy and transparency, we at 211 Check welcome corrections from our readers. If you spot an error in this article, please request a correction using this form. Our team will review your request and make the necessary corrections immediately, if any.

It’s vital to fight misinformation and disinformation in the media by avoiding fake news. Don’t share content you’re uncertain about. False information can harm and mislead people, risking lives—Fact-check before sharing. For more details, visit https://211check.org/ or message us on WhatsApp at +211 917 298 255. #FactsMatter

South Sudan S.4 Results 2023: A Comprehensive Analysis of Performance by Gender, States, and Schools

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South Sudan’s S4 2023 results reveal Central Equatoria State’s dominance in top-performing schools and the highest number of students, with notable success in the science category.

Writer: Stephen Topua

Brace yourself for an enlightening journey as we delve into a comprehensive analysis of gender-based achievements, state-level triumphs, and the schools that paved the way for success in the 2022/23 South Sudan Certificate of Secondary Education (CSE) examinations results.

This data story highlights the students’ performances in the recently released South Sudan Certificate of Secondary Education (CSE), also known as Senior Four (S.4) results. We look at the performance by gender, state and school.

The data used in the making of this data story is available here.

Feb 24, 2023, the Ministry of General Education and Instruction of the Republic of South Sudan released a press statement on the upcoming Certificate of Secondary Education (CSE) examinations for March 2023. Thirty-five thousand four hundred fifty-nine (35,459) students were registered to participate in the exams in three hundred ninety-eight (398) schools across the states and administrative regions. 

However, the total number of students who sat for the S4 results in 2023 was 28,916, with Central Equatoria State accounting for 13,901 students or 48% of the total student population. 

Abyei and Pubor Administrative Region accounted for 255 and 38 students, respectively or a mere 1.01% of the total student population. This is highlighted in the chart below. 

Results by State

South Sudan has ten (10) states and three (03) Administrative areas, and we analyse the results based on these parts. The results are highlighted below. We display the performance index of each State. Central Equatoria had the highest performance index of 74.8%, while Pibor Administrative Area, which also had the least number of students, had the lowest performance index of 59.7%. Unity State, Ruweng Administrative Area, IDP Juba and UNS are not represented in this data. 

Top Performing Schools

Of the best-performing schools, except one (01) – (Laselie Boys from Lakes) are from Central Equatoria State. Among the top 10, Juba Dioceseaen was the best in the country, with an index of 85.8, with 134 candidates. Among the top 10, Darling Wisdom Academy had the highest number of students, with a total of 330, while Covenant Progress had the least number of students, with a total of 17. 

The average number of students among the top 10 schools is 115, with an average index of 84.867. this is illustrated in detail in the graph below

Top Performing Students

How was the performance of the students? We analyse that below.

In this section, we study several parameters:

Number of students in top 10 positions

A total of twenty (20) students shared the top ten (10) positions, a total of twelve (12) gents and eight (08) ladies. All but one student was from the science section. The best student was from Western Bahr el Ghazal, while eighteen (18) were from Central Equatoria. Lakes was the other state with a representative in the second position. 

A total of eight (08) schools were represented, with Brilliant Academy Secondary School having the highest number of students, a total of nine (09) out of twenty (20), or a whopping 45% of all students in the top 10 positions. This is represented below. 

Performance of female students 

Fourteen (14) students shared the top ten (10) female student positions, all from Central Equatoria State. Only seven (07) schools have students on this list. Darling Wisdom Academy and Brilliant Academy each have four (04) students on this list, while four (04) schools have one (01) student each.  This is illustrated in the chart below. 

Conclusion:

One of the findings from this data story is that Central Equatoria State (CES) has the highest number of schools, and the top-performing schools are also from Central Equatoria State (CES). 

The science category also produced the highest number of top-performing students, both in general and among female students. Many students were also sharing the top positions, indicating good performance among the top students.

To ensure accuracy and transparency, we at 211 Check welcome corrections from our readers. If you spot an error in this article, please request a correction using this form. Our team will review your request and make the necessary corrections immediately, if any.

Fact-check: Are these images all from South Sudan?

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No, one of the images shows a village in the Tharparkar Desert in Pakistan. 

Writer: Nancy Caesar

An image shared on Facebook by 64 tribes Media claiming to show a part of South Sudan is false. The image was published alongside five other images, and the text accompanying them reads: “Blessed Country.”

The image in question shows a rural settlement, while the rest of the images are supposedly of different regions of South Sudan, whose flag appears on one of the photos. 

Screenshots of the images from the 64 Tribes page.
Screenshots of the images from the 64 Tribes page.

Other pages that used the same picture with the same caption include Voice of Africa, African Hub, and  Great Africa.

To determine the authenticity of the claim, 211 Check carried out an investigation. 

Investigation:

211 Check carried out a Reverse Image Search on the pictures, and the results showed that the image, which shows a rural setting, was taken from a village in the Tharparkar desert. 

While the image has been shared online several times, such as here and here,  it is attributed to Emmanuel Guddu, who shared the same picture on 23 May 2021, with an accompanying tweet that reads:

“Yes this our Pakistan. This my shot also went viral and many people cropped and removed my watermark and mentioned that this is Thar of India. So here is full and actual shot which I took in a village near Islamkot in Tharparkar Desert of Sindh Pakistan (sic).”

Screenshot of  Emmanuel Guddu’s tweet.

Further investigation revealed that the Tharparkar Desert is an arid region that forms a natural boundary between Pakistan and India. On the Indian side, it is referred to as the Thar Desert, or the Great Indian Desert, and takes up about 85% of the desert’s coverage while 15% falls on Pakistan’s side.

Conclusion:

211 Check finds that most of the pictures were taken in South Sudan, but one is from a village in the Tharparkar Desert.

This fact check was published by 211 Check with support from Code for Africa’s PesaCheck and African Fact-Checking Alliance.

To ensure accuracy and transparency, we at 211 Check welcome corrections from our readers. If you spot an error in this article, please request a correction using this form. Our team will review your request and make the necessary corrections immediately, if any.

It is crucial to fight against misinformation and disinformation in mainstream and alternative media by avoiding becoming a victim of fake news. To prevent the spread of false information, you must refrain from sharing content you are unsure about or unaware of its origin. Disinformation and misinformation can be incredibly dangerous because they can mislead people and cause harm. For instance, false information on health matters can lead to wrong decisions that can put people’s lives at risk. Therefore, it’s vital to fact-check information before sharing it to promote accurate and reliable information. Visit https://211check.org/ for more details on our fact-checking process, or send us a WhatsApp message at +211 917 298 255 if you want to present a claim. Our team will promptly respond to your request because we believe #FactsMatter. 

Explainer: Why South Sudanese should learn data literacy to harness the potential of data

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Data literacy builds confidence and empowers individuals to achieve excellent outcomes without the need for significant technical skills.

Writer: Stephen Topua

Introduction

The future speaks data—do you? According to research by Forrester Consulting to Tableau, over 2000 managers and employees were surveyed about the importance of data literacy in their organizations; 70% of employees are expected to work heavily with data by 2025 — up from just a mere 40% in 2018

Data is omnipresent, generated by an ever-expanding array of sources, from personal devices to vast networks of interconnected systems. The abundance of data presents both opportunities and challenges. Individuals need to possess data literacy skills to harness the potential of data. According to Jordan Morrow, Author of Be Data Literate, data literacy is about creating comfort and confidence in utilizing data within the organization, and it doesn’t mean everyone has to become super technical or be something they are not. Still, it means everyone can drive results with data.

Definition

Data literacy is the ability to read, understand, create, and communicate data effectively. It goes above and beyond merely interpreting numbers; it involves critical thinking, data analysis, and contextual comprehension. In today’s data-driven world, comprehending, analysing, and effectively utilising data is becoming an increasingly crucial skill. 

As a skill set, data literacy is vital in empowering individuals to make informed decisions, understand complex issues, and drive innovation across various domains. According to Dr Emily Johnson, a renowned data scientist and educator, “Data literacy is not just about knowing how to interpret charts and graphs; it goes beyond that. It’s about critically assessing data quality, identifying biases, and using data to make informed decisions.”

This highlights that data literacy is confined to technical skills and involves a broader understanding of data’s context and implications.

Important data terms:

  1. Data Analysis: Examining, cleaning, transforming, and interpreting data to uncover patterns, trends, and relationships.
  1. Data Visualization: The graphical representation of data to present complex information clearly and easily understandable.
  1. Data Ethics: The moral principles and guidelines governing data’s responsible and ethical use, including data privacy and security considerations.
  1. Data Quality: The accuracy, reliability, and consistency of data, ensuring it is fit for its intended purpose.
  1. Data Collection: The systematic process of gathering raw data from various sources for analysis and decision-making.
  1. Data Cleaning: Identifying and correcting errors, inconsistencies, and inaccuracies in data to improve its quality.
  1. Data Privacy: Protecting individuals’ personal information from unauthorised access, use, or disclosure.
  1. Data Security: Measures and practices put in place to protect data from unauthorised access, loss, or theft.
  1. Data Governance: The overall management and control of data within an organisation to ensure data quality, security, and compliance.
  1. Big Data: Huge and complex data sets that require advanced technologies and analytics for processing and analysis.
  1. Machine Learning: A subset of artificial intelligence that enables computers to learn and improve from experience without being explicitly programmed.
  1. Data Warehouse: A centralised repository that stores and organises large volumes of data from different sources for analysis and reporting.
  1. Data Mining: The process of extracting valuable patterns and insights from large datasets using statistical and machine learning techniques.
  1. Data-driven Decision Making: Using data and analysis to guide and support decision-making processes.
  1. Open Data: Data that is freely available for anyone to access, use, and distribute.
  1. Data Integration: Combining and harmonizing data from different sources creates a unified view.
  2. Data Storytelling: The art of presenting data and analysis in a compelling and engaging narrative to communicate insights effectively.
  1. Data Culture: an environment where decisions are consistently backed by data and everyone within the organization, regardless of their role, is encouraged and empowered to use data in their work. It is a culture of inquiry, curiosity, and data-informed decision-making.

Data literacy skills encompass various aspects. Firstly, it involves knowing which data is appropriate and relevant for a specific purpose, ensuring that the data selected aligns with the intended goal. Data literacy also entails understanding and interpreting data visualizations, and deriving insights and meaning from graphical data representations. Another crucial skill is the capacity to think critically about the information extracted through data analysis, evaluating its validity, accuracy, and potential limitations.

Being proficient in data literacy also means understanding data analytics tools and methods and knowing when and where to apply them to extract meaningful insights. It involves recognising instances where data may be misrepresented or used misleadingly, enabling individuals to identify and address any inaccuracies or biases within the data. Lastly, data literacy encompasses communicating data-driven information to individuals needing a more robust background in data literacy, employing effective data storytelling techniques to convey complex findings clearly and compellingly.

Importance of Data Literacy:

Data literacy is a skill that goes beyond the realm of data analysts and scientists. It is essential for everyone, from students to policymakers, to navigate the data-driven landscape effectively. Data literacy is not just about knowing how to use a spreadsheet or read a graph; it’s about developing a mindset that questions, explores, and derives insights from data. It empowers individuals to be informed decision-makers in an increasingly data-saturated world.

Data literacy is a key enabler of evidence-based decision-making. With the ability to comprehend data and draw meaningful conclusions, individuals can avoid making uninformed choices that may have adverse consequences.

Ways of improving your data literacy skills 

There are various approaches to enhancing your data literacy skills. To begin, you might take advantage of online courses provided by companies such as Coursera and Udemy. These courses cover various topics, starting with fundamental data skills and advancing to advanced machine-learning techniques. It is also advised that you take an introductory statistics course to understand the underlying principles of data and analytics and a data visualization course to communicate data insights effectively.

To become more comfortable with data, you should study your company’s datasets using management dashboards or business intelligence tools. Take advantage of the opportunity to go into and investigate various reports for various periods. If your present role restricts your data access, don’t hesitate to request it. Finding a data mentor is another crucial step in increasing data literacy. This mentor does not have to be a data professional; anyone comfortable using the company’s reporting tools and making data-driven decisions could play this role.

If you’re concerned or believe you’re not naturally drawn to statistics, shifting your emphasis to the benefits of using data in your work can be beneficial. Recognise how data may help you better understand your target audience, uncover market gaps, enable better decision-making, support presentations with factual information, and wow your bosses. It is also critical to practice asking meaningful questions about the data you deal with. Understand the origins, validity, and any biases of the data. Exploring the topic of bias in data and artificial intelligence can be eye-opening and help you ensure that your organization’s decisions are based on accurate and fair facts.

Finally, don’t let fear or doubt stand in your way of achieving data literacy. Accept the opportunity to learn and improve, recognising that strengthening your data abilities will aid your professional development in various ways.

Conclusion:

Data literacy is fundamental in the data-driven era, shaping how individuals interact with information and make decisions. Data literacy becomes an indispensable skill for individuals to thrive in personal and professional domains as data grows exponentially. By embracing data literacy, individuals can transform data into knowledge, making informed decisions that positively impact their lives and society.

Data literacy is a critical skill set in our data-driven world. It empowers individuals to make informed decisions, contributes to organizational success, and improves various aspects of society, from education to healthcare. As we navigate an increasingly complex and data-rich landscape, fostering data literacy among individuals becomes paramount.

To ensure accuracy and transparency, we at 211 Check welcome corrections from our readers. If you spot an error in this article, please request a correction using this form. Our team will review your request and make the necessary corrections immediately, if any.

Fact-check: Does this picture show parts of Juba?

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No, this picture is of Khartoum, the capital of Sudan

Writer: Nancy Ceasar

A picture of a highway and urban buildings shared on Facebook purporting to show parts of Juba, the capital of South Sudan, is misleading. 

This claim had attracted over 3000 interactions at the time of publishing.

This is the screenshot of the post. 

Investigation:

211 Check carried out a Google reverse image search on the picture, and the results showed that the picture has been used by different people in reference to Sudan in the past.

In one instance, a Facebook post with the same image encouraged the people of Sudan to preserve their country.

 “O my people in Sudan, O messengers of love, saints, pure righteous, this is your country; each piece of it belongs to your hearts; raise it high; this is your land, and you are its soldiers; do not let it get lost in your hands; every Arab and African in this existence is grateful to it, in its bows great grace, kneaded with the generosity of your hearts and generosity of your minds…” reads part of the post. 

The image was also shared on Twitter with a tweet that reads, in part:  

 “These are the people who live in Khartoum, for the people who drink morning tea with dumplings on Nile Street, next to Al Dayat or Central Station.  Bahri, for people who break their fast in Awadiya samak or wahhab or jamui foul fareed or Abdel wahhdah or Al shaeqi for lovers of prince Al shatby, Dodi, fwal al hijra…”

Further, SkyScraperCity, an online tabloid, on 17 September 2022 published an article with the title ‘Khartoum and Omdurman | Sudan | City Gallery’ where the image we are fact-checking was featured with the caption ‘Northern Sudanese.’

Sudan, whose capital is Khartoum, is officially known as the Republic of Sudan and borders the Red Sea to the north. It was the largest and one of Africa’s most geographically diverse states until it split into two countries in 2011, with South Sudan voting for independence.

On the other hand, South Sudan, whose capital is Juba, gained independence from Sudan on 9 July 2011, making it the most recent sovereign state or country with widespread recognition as of 2023. It includes the vast swamp region of the Sudd, formed by the white Nile, known locally as Bahr-al-Jebel, meaning “Mountain River. 

Conclusion:

211 Check has found that an image making rounds claiming to show Juba, South Sudan, is false and misleading. The picture is of Khartoum, the capital of Sudan.

This fact check was published by 211 Check with support from Code for Africa’s PesaCheck and African Fact-Checking Alliance.

To ensure accuracy and transparency, we at 211 Check welcome corrections from our readers. If you spot an error in this article, please request a correction using this form. Our team will review your request and make the necessary corrections immediately, if any.

It’s important to fight misinformation and disinformation in the media by avoiding fake news. Don’t share content you’re uncertain about. False information can harm and mislead people, risking lives—Fact-check before sharing. For more details, visit https://211check.org/ or message us on WhatsApp at +211 917 298 255. #FactsMatter

Fact-check: Was the Iranian President’s trip to Kenya cancelled?

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No, The visit by the Iranian President to Kenya was not cancelled due to a warning from the U.S. government; the visit took place, and both Kenyan and Iranian presidents signed memoranda of understanding to further the relationships.

Writer: Ochaya Jackson

A video shared on Facebook by Fuata Nyuki-Wa Kungu claiming that the Iranian President’s visit to Kenya was cancelled is false and misleading. The video, shared on 12 July 2023, contains narration and is accompanied by text stating that Kenya’s president, William Ruto, was panicking after the US warned him not to accord the Iranian president, Ebrahim Raisi, a state visit to Kenya.

“Ruto has been going all over Africa, chest thumping how Africans should be trading in their currencies away from the dollar. But a simple warning from [the] USA sends him in a panic, causing a diplomatic blunder, after he’s forced by the Western powers not to accord the Iranian President a State visit,” reads the post. 

The video’s narration transcript reads: 

“Imagine this, you are the president of Iran and you are about to embark on a historic tour of Africa, the first of by an Iranian leader in over a decade. You have been invited by the President of Kenya, who wants to boost trade and cooperation with your country. But then something goes wrong at the last minute, you are informed that your visit has been downgraded to an official visit meaning no state courtesies, no pomp and ceremony, no red carpet treatment. You are shocked and insulted by the sudden change of plans. You wonder what could have caused this snub. Is it pressure from the U.S. which imposed sanctions on your country? Is it fear of backlash from Israel which considers you a threat? Is it a sign of disrespect from Kenya which has closer ties with your rivals. You decided to cancel your visit and demand an explanation. You feel angry and betrayed by this diplomatic blunder. You wonder if Kenya is a reliable partner or puppet of the West. This is not a fictional scenario. This is what happened to Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi who was supposed to arrive in Kenya today for a state visit. Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the visit was rescheduled to allow finalisation of key MOUs that are central to the furtherance of relations. But sources say Kenya changed its mind due to certain reasons that have not been disclosed. Iran has cancelled the visit and is waiting for an apology from Kenya. A high level crisis meeting is currently ongoing at the state house trying to resolve the matter and find ways of convincing President Raisi to come to Kenya. What do you think about this situation? How do you feel about Kenya’s decision? How do you think Iran will react?” 

211 Check investigation: 

According to a media report reviewed by 211 Check, the Iranian President was welcomed with a red carpet in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, on Wednesday, 12 July 2023.

Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi inspects the guard of honour during his state visit at the State House in Nairobi on 12 July 2023. © AFP/Simon Maina

Additionally, according to a K24TV video tweet, the Kenyan President said his country had witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding on communication and information technology, fisheries, animal health, and livestock production with Raisi upon his visit to Kenya.

From left Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, accompanied by Kenya President William Ruto (middle), courtesy K24 TV.

The visit was initially slated for Tuesday, 11 July 2023. Still, according to the Kenya Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as per the media report, it was rescheduled for Wednesday to give room for the finalisation memorandum of the understanding.

“The President of Iran, Ebrahim Raisi, was scheduled to arrive in the country for a visit today [Tuesday]. The visit allowed the two countries to review and re-energize their bilateral relations for the mutual benefit of the people of the two countries. The schedule of the President [of Iran, Ebrahim Raisi] has now been reviewed to allow for the finalisation of key MoUs central to further relations. The Iranian President will now arrive tomorrow [Wednesday 12th, July 2023]  for a State Visit,” reads part of the Kenyan Ministry of Foreign Affairs statement as quoted by the media.

“The President will be at the State House at 7.00 am tomorrow [Wednesday] for a bilateral meeting. He will, after that, proceed to lay a wreath at the Mausoleum of the late Mzee Jomo Kenyatta before proceeding to tour other African countries,” the ministry added.

In addition to that, Dr. Alfred N. Mutua, the Kenyan Cabinet Secretary of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, tweeted that President William Ruto held high-level bilateral talks with his counterpart, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and the five memoranda of understanding signed laid the basis for continued socio-economic cooperation.

The Iranian President’s tour to Africa also took him to Uganda and Zimbabwe.

Conclusion:

The visit by the Iranian President to Kenya was not cancelled due to a warning from the U.S. government; the visit took place, and both Kenyan and Iranian presidents signed memoranda of understanding to further the relationships between the two countries.

This fact check was published by 211 Check with support from Code for Africa’s PesaCheck and African Fact-Checking Alliance.

To ensure accuracy and transparency, we at 211 Check welcome corrections from our readers. If you spot an error in this article, please request a correction using this form. Our team will review your request and make the necessary corrections immediately, if any.

It’s important to fight misinformation and disinformation in media by avoiding fake news. Don’t share content you’re uncertain about. False information can harm and mislead people, risking lives—Fact-check before sharing. For more details, visit https://211check.org/ or message us on WhatsApp at +211 917 298 255. #FactsMatter 

Debunking the Mosquito Coil Lung Disease Myth in South Sudan and Ghana (2016)

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There is no clear evidence that long-term exposure to mosquito coil smoke increases the risk of more severe health impacts such as lung cancer, but extended exposure to mosquito coils in enclosed areas should be avoided.

Writer: Jibi Moses

A message claiming that mosquito coils are the common cause of lung cancer in South Sudan and Ghana, making the rounds in WhatsApp groups and private chats, is not supported by substantial evidence.

The message quotes a Medical Journal published in 2016 by Hogarth et al.—Malar, which says that mosquito coil smoke is a potential source of indoor infections and other diseases but did not mention lung cancer. The message, which has pictures of the Zenden brand of Mosquito coil, primarily talks about the dangers of the coil and how it is the leading cause of lung diseases in South Sudan and Ghana.

“Mosquito coils, commonly used as residential insecticides in South Sudan and other African Countries such as Ghana, were the major cause of Lung disease…,” partly reads the message.

The viral message further claims other studies done in Asia show that the insecticide has different chemicals, including chloromethyl, which, the article says, is a highly potent lung carcinogen that can be produced by thermolytic degradation. The content, however, does not have an author or a clear origin.

A screenshot of the circulating message on WhatsApp 

What do we know?

The author quotes the study in his or her article  Malaria  Journal by Jonathan Hogarth, published on February 4, 2016, in Ghana, under the heading Application of Mosquito Repellents, Coils, and Associating Health Issues in Ghana. The report was the final work of research to determine the effectiveness of mosquito coils and repellents and their associated impact. 

The research found that the insecticides were ineffective and posed a health danger but did not explicitly state that it is the cause of lung cancer in South Sudan and Ghana.

A report published by the National Library of Medicine in 2015 by JIE Zhang and others titled Mosquito coil exposure associated with small cell lung cancer: A report of three cases. A research report carried out in Asia on cancer patients was carried out on a few individuals who previously worked with a mosquito coil-producing company. The information admits insecticides have chloromethyl, a highly potent lung carcinogen. However, the report says the significance of exposure is uncertain.

“Mosquito coils, commonly used as residential insecticides in Asia, contain different concentrations of octachlorodipropyl ether (S-2) as a synergist or an active ingredient. As bis(chloromethyl) ether (BCME) is an extremely potent lung carcinogen that can be produced by the thermolytic degradation of S-2, contact with mosquito coils is likely to expose individuals to a certain level of BCME and therefore increase the risk of lung cancer. However, the significance of exposure is uncertain as clinical and epidemiological studies concerning mosquito coil users and workers are lacking….” 

The report concludes that contact with mosquito coils will likely expose individuals to a level of S-2 that may increase the risk of SCLC but does not concretely say mosquito coils cause cancer. 

What is lung cancer disease?

Penn Medicine defines lung cancer disease as any lung problem that prevents the lungs from working properly. World Health Organisation says The significant risk factors for chronic respiratory diseases include tobacco smoke and other indoor air pollution, allergens, household chemicals, and outdoor pollution. Some leading causes of lung diseases are explained here.

Conclusion:

211 Check finds the claim that mosquito coil is the leading cause of lung diseases unproven. Though the insecticide has some chloromethyl content, the World Health Organisation says tobacco is the leading cause of lung diseases.

In the face of this uncertainty, the essential lesson should be to avoid extended exposure to mosquito coils, particularly in enclosed areas, The Conversation says.

To ensure accuracy and transparency, we at 211 Check welcome corrections from our readers. If you spot an error in this article, please request a correction using this form. Our team will review your request and make the necessary corrections immediately, if any.

It is crucial to fight against misinformation and disinformation in mainstream and alternative media by avoiding becoming a victim of fake news. To prevent the spread of false information, you must refrain from sharing content you are unsure about or unaware of its origin. Disinformation and misinformation can be incredibly dangerous because they can mislead people and cause harm. For instance, false information on health matters can lead to wrong decisions that can put people’s lives at risk. Therefore, it’s vital to fact-check information before sharing it to promote accurate and reliable information. Visit https://211check.org/ for more details on our fact-checking process, or send us a WhatsApp message at +211 917 298 255 if you want to present a claim. Our team will promptly respond to your request because we believe #FactsMatter.

Fact-check: Viral WhatsApp message about 2023 recruitment at Total Energies is false

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The messages on WhatsApp are scams embedded with malicious links intended to steal people’s helpful information. 

Writer: Jibi Moses

A message is making rounds on WhatsApp claiming Total Energies, one of the world’s leading petroleum business companies, is recruiting. This is false.

“GOOD NEWS!  TotalEnergies Oil and Gas company is recruiting both Skilled and Unskilled Labour with good Salary Payment. It is no longer news. APPLY NOW,” the message reads partially.

On clicking the job advertisement link, it looks too good to be true because it highly emphasizes that the company offers both skilled and unskilled labour. The application is too easy to fill out, and when one is done filling in his details, you are requested to share the link in five WhatsApp groups or over fifteen individuals to get the job.

A screenshot of the job advertisement on opening the link.

What have we found out?

211 Check investigated the advertisement by examining the link attached to the message. Results from one of the vendors on VirusTotal, an online tool used to detect malware and other suspicious wares, show that the connection is embedded with a Malicious URL. These are links created to promote scams or fraudulent activity. They are persuasive, intending to gain sensitive and personal information. Clicking on such links can lead to various consequences, from having your data stolen to being the victim of a cyberattack.

Total Energies is a French multinational integrated energy and petroleum company founded in 1924 and is one of the seven supermajor oil companies. Is Headquartered in  Courbevoie, France. With Subsidiaries of  TotalEnergies, Total Espana SA, SunPower, and MORE currently under the leadership of Patrick Pouyanné as the CEO, He assumed that position on 22 October 2014. 

The company was founded on March 28 March 1924, by  Ernest Mercier. As of 2020, it employs up to  105,476 people with a straightforward means of calling for applications through the Career section on their websites.

We ran the two links on Whois, an online tool that analyses websites and showed that the two links are entirely different. The Total Energies website was first registered in France in 2014 and updated in 2023. Meanwhile, the other link was first recorded in 2023 the United States in America. Earlier this year, a similar advert made rounds on the internet particularly WhatsApp and 211 Check, found it false.

A Screenshot of the Whois details of the Total Energies website as shown by whois.com

A screenshot of the malicious link is shown on whois.com.

Conclusion:

211 Check finds that the advert in WhatsApp groups and private chats claiming to be from Total Energies is false. These are scams embedded with Malicious links intended to steal people’s helpful information. We advise the public to be cautious when interacting with such social media posts and verify the authenticity of any claims before acting on them.

To ensure accuracy and transparency, we at 211 Check welcome corrections from our readers. If you spot an error in this article, please request a correction using this form. Our team will review your request and make the necessary corrections immediately, if any.

It is crucial to fight against misinformation and disinformation in mainstream and alternative media by avoiding becoming a victim of fake news. To prevent the spread of false information, you must refrain from sharing content you are unsure about or unaware of its origin. Disinformation and misinformation can be incredibly dangerous because they can mislead people and cause harm. For instance, false information on health matters can lead to wrong decisions that can put people’s lives at risk. Therefore, it’s vital to fact-check information before sharing it to promote accurate and reliable information. Visit https://211check.org/ for more details on our fact-checking process, or send us a WhatsApp message at +211 917 298 255 if you want to present a claim. Our team will promptly respond to your request because we believe #FactsMatter.