No, the man was not a Malawian but a Nigerian in Lagos at the Murtala Muhammed International airport enroute to Port Har-court.
Writer: Ghai Aketch
Earlier this week, a claim showing an image of a man hanging on plane’s wing published by Smart Family TV went viral in South Sudan captioned as:
“Malawian man was seen hanging on the wing of an aeroplane and said he wanted to travel abroad seeking a better life, the plane was from Malawi to Juba, South Sudan,” the post reads.
Screenshot of the post on Facebook
However, our reverse image and keywords searches returned the same image of a Nigerian man who illegally accessed the runway and climbed on a plane’s wing when it was preparing for a take off at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on 19 July 2019.
According to the Azman Airline, the pilot radioed the security after the authorised man was struggling to access the plane’s cabin, posing danger to the passengers on board.
According to reports, he climbed on the plane’s wings after dropping his bag in the engine. Fortunately, a passenger on board was quick to capture the unexpected scene on 19 July 2019 that went viral.
The man was later identified by the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria as a Nigerian-born Usman Adamu while in police custody at that time.
Conclusion:
The information purporting South Sudan and Malawi is false. The original publications clearly indicated the Azman Airline was enroute to Port Har-court. But not Juba, South Sudan.
https://211check.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/CAN-HERBS-TREAT-INFERTILITY-1-1.png6281200211 Checkhttps://211check.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/211Check_logo-1-300x120.png211 Check2022-11-22 10:52:212022-11-22 10:52:23Fact-check: Did a Malawian man attempt to sneak into South Sudan by hanging on a plane’s wing from Malawi?
However, after the South Sudan and Uganda U-20 match ended 2:1 in favour of Uganda, misleading information went viral on social media claiming that the furious South Sudan fans destroyed the stadium’s seats in Juba after the 2:1 loss to the Ugandan Crane. This is false.
According to the football governing body, CECAFA, the seats were broken after the final whistle when South Sudan won by 4:2 penalty shoot-out against Ethiopia on November 8 at Al-Hilal Stadium, Sudan. But, out of excitement the spectators broke chairs, damaged the barriers and stormed the pitch.
Subsequently, the CECAFA disciplinary committee, after learning of the acts, fined South Sudan $1,000 US dollars and to also repair the damaged parts of the facility.
The Juba Nationality Stadium seats were not destroyed by the agitated spectators after the South Sudan national team Bright Stars’ U-20 2:1 loss to the Uganda Crane team. Moreover, the match was played in Khartoum, Sudan.
Additionally, the Juba National Stadium is not yet inaugurated to host regional matches due to the ongoing construction.
Therefore, the images showing broken chairs are those of Al-Hilal Stadium in Sudan, where the match was played.
Conclusion:
211 Check finds the claim that South Sudanese football fans destroyed seats in the new Juba National Stadium after a home team loss to Uganda false.
https://211check.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/CAN-HERBS-TREAT-INFERTILITY-2.png6281200211 Checkhttps://211check.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/211Check_logo-1-300x120.png211 Check2022-11-22 10:39:012022-11-22 10:39:05Fact-check: Did South Sudanese fans destroy seats in the Juba National Stadium?
A WhatsApp message with a link widely forwarded to individuals and groups about the University of Chicago’s fully funded scholarship offers for 2022 to study in the United States of America is false.
The WhatsApp message has a phishing link that redirects to a one-page site with what looks like a basic “Scholarship Application Form”.
Phishing is sending fake or fraudulent communications that appear to come from a reputable source to steal sensitive data like credit card and login information or install malware on the victim’s machine, according to Cisco technology company.
“The American Scholarship is a yearly program which is aimed at Undergraduates, Masters and PhD Students who wants (sic) to study in the United States,” the WhatsApp message partly reads.
Screenshot of the false WhatsApp message about the University of Chicago scholarship
The scholarship targets the age group of 14 to 50 years, and it covers full tuition fee, medical allowance, Covid-19, instant visa approval, permission to work and study, and hostel accommodation, according to the widely shared claim.
Screenshot showing the header of the alleged University of Chicago’s scholarship site
Phishing trick
211 Check looks at the claim, and it appears to be a phishing tactic deployed by unknown malicious actors to get passwords, phone numbers, names, locations, and email addresses from people using a one-page form on the phishing website.
After filling in the personal information, it directs to three objective questions where it asks what one’s employment status is, their marital status, their age range. Then after answering, a pop-up message appears informing the applicants of approval with string conditions first to invite fifteen friends or five groups on WhatsApp.
“After checking your applications, You have been approved to study at the University of Chicago IN{UNITED STATES} for free–Your UNITED STATES SCHOLARSHIP VISA FORM will be available immediately after you click the “Invite Friends/Group” button below to share this information with 15 friends or five groups on WhatsApp so That They Can Also Aware of the SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMM,” it reads.
“Note: If you do not complete this step correctly, The VISA FORM page will not load,” the pop-up message warns.
The screenshot of the pop-up message after filling out the form
What is there to know about the University of Chicago and its scholarship?
The University of Chicago was founded in 1890 as an urban research university and is a prestigious, recognised global university. It is the third-ranking best University college in the United States, after Michigan Institute of Technology and Stanford.
211 Check established that fully funded University of Chicago scholarships exist for 2022-2023 for online applications. There are different categories of scholarships, including undergraduate scholarships, international financial aid, merit scholarships, graduate scholarships, fellowships, and research assistantships and teachings.
The eligibility criteria for the scholarships range from 4.48-grade point average (GPA) or its equivalent in the grading system of the applicants’ country, minimum education of 14 years for the undergraduate, a 4-year bachelor’s degree for the master’s program, and a bachelor’s and master’s degree for a doctoral program among others.
The admission procedure starts by selecting a course at the University of Chicago admission office, creating an online profile for admission applications, filling out the form with relevant information, attaching the required documents, and submitting the form.
The benefits of the scholarship involve partial, discounted, or full waiver from tuition fee expenses, a voucher for food and book buying, monthly stipend allowance, residence expense funding or facility, travel grant funding or facility, and library access on campus.
Comparative analysis:
There are mismatches between the circulated WhatsApp message and the scholarship information from the University of Chicago’s website.
The claim’s admission procedure is not solid, the message texts are full of grammatical errors, the webpage picture is doctored, and the condition of sharing the claim with more friends or groups on WhatsApp clearly shows it is not credible.
211 Check also found out that the moment the link is clicked as it directs to the webpage, in the background, it downloads and installs malware into the devices or computers of the users.
The whois information:
According to Whois, which can be used to investigate the registration information for a domain, the phishing link‘s domain was registered on August 30th, 2022.
A screenshot shows the registration of the phishing link’s domain
However, the Whois information for the University of Chicago’s domain indicates that the domain record was activated in 1991, last updated in July 2022, and expires in July 2024.
The screenshot of the whois’ information on University of Chicago website
In conclusion,
The viral message about the University of Chicago scholarship being widely shared on WhatsApp is false.
The University of Chicago’s website and scholarship programs are here.
https://211check.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/4.png6281200211 Checkhttps://211check.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/211Check_logo-1-300x120.png211 Check2022-11-15 22:10:402022-11-15 22:10:43Fact-check: Phishing link for the University of Chicago Scholarships
MTN Uganda offers 24 free minutes of MTN to MTN calls to celebrate its 24th anniversary. The link circulating is malicious and doesn’t represent MTN
Writer: Beatrice Amude Paulino
On November 6, 2022, MTN Uganda celebrated 24 years of providing telecommunications services in Uganda. On the same day, a WhatsApp message began circulating with the untrue claim that MTN Uganda would provide 10 GB of free data to commemorate its 24th anniversary.
“MTN UGANDA At 24. It feels good to be 24. We just want to celebrate with you, our dear customers. We are giving you 10GB free data to chat with everyone that is dear to you. Let’s celebrate our birthday together. Check Links Below to see if you qualify to get Free Data,” that WhatsApp message that has been doing the rounds reads in part.
Screenshot of the widely WhatsApp message
When you click on the links above, you will be taken to a one-page websitetitled: “We are 24. Happy Birthday to us. You’ve 10GB of Free Data Valid for 1 Month.” It then instructs users to press a “GET YOURS NOW” button, which prompts them to enter their phone number. You are eligible for the data regardless of how many times you click.
The one-page site users are directed to when they click on the links
Screenshot of an alleged verification process after entering phone number
Screenshot of a prompt on the site asking people to send the information to 12 groups and friends on WhatsApp
But, is MTN Uganda offering 10 GB free data to celebrate its 24th anniversary? No and here is why?
211 Check finds out that MTN Uganda announced on twitter that they were offering 24 free minutes of MTN to MTN calls in celebration of its 24th anniversary.
‘’Thank you Uganda for being our home for 24 years. To celebrate all our loyal customers, we are giving you 24 free MTN to MTN minutes to talk to all your loved ones today. Senkyu for being on MTN,’ it announced on Twitter.
‘’This is good, but there is also a link moving around for 10gbs data. And needed to be shared to 12 groups. MTN does not work like that. If it’s to be given to all, why must I share to groups and get it. I will buy data. Thanks for minutes though.’’
‘’MTN helps fraudsters to fraud Ugandans through a message they put up when a customer calls their helpline. These F.stars have sent a hodgepodge of links and are frauding us left right and center. MD hereby notified. Why not just send them to every active no?’’
MTN Uganda replies to the unverified claim of the free 10 GB data:
‘’Hello, we are sorry about that. Kindly ignore any information not sent through our main channels, from Twitter, Facebook, 0312120000 or Whatsapp 0772123100. Also report suspicious information for action,” MTN Uganda said.
Screenshot of MTN Uganda tweet reply.
The website impersonating the official MTN Uganda website can be found at blogspot.com, a free service provided by Google. The official MTN Uganda website can be found at https://www.mtn.co.ug/.
According to the whois record, the domain name of the malicious website was registered on December 11th, 2021, which is a little under a year ago.
A screenshot showing the Whois information for the fake site
A screenshot showing the Whois information for MTN Uganda
Conclusion:
The claim that MTN is giving away 10 GB worth of free data as part of celebrating its 24 years in Uganda has been proven false by 211 Check. The links going around are not from MTN and are malicious.
https://211check.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/3.png6281200211 Checkhttps://211check.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/211Check_logo-1-300x120.png211 Check2022-11-15 22:06:582022-11-15 22:07:01Fact-check: Is MTN Uganda Offering 10 GB Free data to its subscribers for 24th Anniversary? No, it is false.
Several researchers have found out some evidence suggesting that heavy use of paraben-containing hair relaxers is linked to an increased risk of estrogen-receptor-positive breast cancer.
Writer: Beatrice Amude Paulino
Reports that a study has found out that toxic chemicals used in hair products for black women can fuel breast cancer are true.
The study says that these chemicals not only raise women’s chances of getting breast cancer, but also disproportionately fuel the spread of cancer cells in Black women.
The study was widely reported on the internet as can be seen here, here and here.
The rapid spread of cancer cells in the parabens sulfates is more prevalent in black women.
Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben, Isopropylparaben, Butylparaben, and Isobutylparaben are the most common parabens.
Breast cancer affects black women disproportionately. According to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, the demographic has a 41% higher death rate from breast cancer, and black women under 50 have twice the cancer mortality rate as white women.
What are doctors saying about the side effects of hair relaxing creams?
Lejju Benjamin Modi, a medical doctor in Juba explains to 211 Check in detail how beauty creams affect black women, “…and I found that there is some evidence to that effect. Like skin bleaching agents, most of these beauty chemicals contain a lot of cancer-causing agents, especially with prolonged/heavy use…’’
“Black/African American women’s hair relaxers, leave-in conditioners, and oils may contain estrogens or estrogen-disrupting compounds. As a result, their use may increase the risk of breast cancer. The findings of the few previous studies on this topic are contradictory. The Black Women’s Health Study, a nationwide prospective study of Black women, was used to examine the relationship between hair relaxer and leave-in conditioner use and breast cancer incidence. From 1997 to 2017, 2311 incident breast cancers occurred in 50,543 women.…,” a study published in May 2021 has this abstract
“Results of this study were largely null, but there was some evidence that heavy use of lye-containing hair relaxers may be associated with increased risk of ER+ breast cancer. Consistent results from several studies are needed before it can be concluded that use of certain hair relaxers impacts breast cancer development,” the study said.
Conclusion:
211 Check has looked into a research study on the side effects of beauty creams and found out that several researchers discovered some evidence suggesting that heavy use of paraben-containing hair relaxers is linked to an increased risk of estrogen-receptor-positive breast cancer.
#FactsMatter, Don’t be a victim of fake news; instead, let’s fight misinformation on both mainstream and alternative media. To avoid spreading false information, don’t share content you’re unsure about or know where it comes from.
To learn more about our fact-checking process, go to https://211check.org/ or send us a WhatsApp message at +211 917 298 255 to present a claim, and our team will immediately fact-check it and respond.
https://211check.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/CAN-HERBS-TREAT-INFERTILITY-1.png6281200211 Checkhttps://211check.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/211Check_logo-1-300x120.png211 Check2022-11-03 14:40:362022-11-03 14:40:38Fact-check: Study finds that parabens hair relaxing products have side effects on African Women
Infertility cannot be cured with natural remedies or herbs. So, before taking any natural supplements, consult your doctor and read about their potential side effects.
Writer: Beatrice Amude Paulino
NewCare Fertility Syrup Ltd asserts in Facebook posts that some natural herbs can improve reproductive health in both men and women, but these herbs have not been scientifically proven.
According to the label, the herb can treat the following reproductive issues: improves pregnancy chances, shrinks fibroids, regulates the menstrual cycle, balances hormones, improves egg quality in women, normal ovarian functions, and treats Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.
The company says that the herbal medicine contains the following ingredients: aloe vera, lemon, eucalyptus, beetroots, hibiscus, honey, alkaline vegetable oil, and elephant grass.
NewCare Fertility Syrup Ltd, a Facebook page created on July 12, 2022, is followed by approximately 360 people on Facebook but regularly posts in sponsored advertisements about some natural herbs that can boost reproductive health. They claim that their herbs are always packaged in three litre containers with 30 pills for women and one-litre containers with 30 pills for men.
Screenshot of the alledged herbs
What do users of similar herbs use?
211 Check has interviewed a woman named Juan Mary Paul and this is what she said,’’I have tried these herbs but notfrom this company. I was diagnosed with fibroids and I decided to take some herbs and do exercise and stopped eating red meat.’’
She continued by saying ,’’Do not forget to prayer as you take what God created for us as medicine,he will for sure put his hands on it.’’ ‘’I also know that no Doctor will believe me ,because the herbs are not scientifically proven and sometimes I doubt the effectiveness of the herbs,’’ she added.
What do doctors in South Sudan say?
Odol George, a doctor at Juba Teaching Hospital in South Sudan’s capital Juba says these herbal treatments are just claims and that the ingredients need some studies.
“These are just claims because what are the active ingredients that improve fertility?Is it for men or women?What are the areas of actioning the human body?A lot of questions before using the herbs,” Dr. Odol George warns.
Dr. Odol George, continues by saying that,’’Aloe vera and other plants are not active ingredients, these extracts of plants which need to be treated first and then put through thin layer chromatography which will tell these ingredients.”
You don’t need many herbal remedies if you are trying to conceive naturally. All you need is a good diet plan, regular exercise, good sleep, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding smoking or drinking alcohol.
Conclusion:
Natural remedies or herbs can’t cure infertility. There are a lot of herbs that can make your infertility even worse. So before taking any natural supplements, talk to your doctor and read about their side effects.
#FactsMatter, Don’t be a victim of fake news; instead, let’s fight misinformation on both mainstream and alternative media. To avoid spreading false information, don’t share content you’re unsure about or know where it comes from.
To learn more about our fact-checking process, go to https://211check.org/ or send us a WhatsApp message at +211 917 298 255 to present a claim, and our team will immediately fact-check it and respond.
https://211check.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/CAN-HERBS-TREAT-INFERTILITY.png6281200211 Checkhttps://211check.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/211Check_logo-1-300x120.png211 Check2022-11-03 14:33:292022-11-03 14:33:32Fact-check: New care fertility syrup, a herb that claims to boost reproductive health, is unproven
Salva Mathok categorically denies the rumours, stating that he is alive and well. He states that he was present at Tuesday’s assembly session, which was later adjourned.
Writer: Jibi Moses
A viral Facebook post alleging that Salva Mathok, a member of the Revitalised Transitional National Legislative Assembly (R-TNLA), was hospitalised after allegedly falling and breaking his neck is false.
Two Facebook pages, Radio Dabanga-211 and Phow Radio FM, claim that the legislature collapsed on Tuesday, November 1st, breaking his neck. Radio Dabanga -211 claims to have up to 13 thousand followers and describes itself as “Good times, great hits.” The post has received more than 160 reactions, 330 comments, and 123 shares.
Meanwhile, Phow Radio FM (4,700 likes and 6,500 followers) posted this as breaking news. The post received over 100 reactions, 230 comments, and 104 shares.
The picture of Salva Mathok that the two pages used.
But to what extent do these claims doing the rounds have any basis in reality?
The legislature was with a friend in the picture Hot in Juba used, indicating that the two pages altered the original picture and cropped out the other guy, who was unnamed.
Original picture of Salva Mathok and a friend in a Nairobi hospital as posted on 06/01/2020
Recently, Salva Mathok has made headlines for burning down a Seventh-day Adventist Church in one of his counties in South Sudan’s Warrap State, claiming that the Church had been burning down shrines of local leaders, a practice that was driving people away from their beliefs. Furthermore, he claimed that the church encouraged sexual immorality. As a result, the public’s reaction to this story has been mixed, with some claiming that it was a punishment from God.
However, since then, he and the state governor, Aleu Ayieny, have travelled to Juba to participate in assembly sessions. They left the Warrap state capital of Kuajok.
Salva Mathok rubbishes ill-health rumours:
Salva Mathok, when contacted by No. 1 Citizen, an English daily newspaper in South Sudan, categorically denied the rumours, stating that he is alive and well. He stated that he was present at Tuesday’s assembly session, which was later adjourned.
Conclusion:
211 Check finds the claim that Salva Mathok is hospitalised after allegedly falling and breaking his neck is false. The picture circulating is old, first posted on 06/01/2020
#FactsMatter, Don’t be a victim of fake news; instead, let’s fight misinformation on both mainstream and alternative media. To avoid spreading false information, don’t share content you’re unsure about or know where it comes from.
To learn more about our fact-checking process, go to https://211check.org/ or send us a WhatsApp message at +211 917 298 255 to present a claim, and our team will immediately fact-check it and respond.
https://211check.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Salva-Mathok.png788940211 Checkhttps://211check.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/211Check_logo-1-300x120.png211 Check2022-11-03 14:24:552022-11-03 14:24:58Fact-check: Is Salva Mathok in hospital after allegedly falling and breaking his neck? No, It’s false
The phishing link is intended to collect personal information of unsuspecting people online.
Writer: Ochaya Jackson
A link circulating on the social media platform WhatsApp purporting to be The Diversity Immigrant Visa Program, also known as the Green Card Lottery, a United States government lottery programme for receiving a US Permanent Resident Card for 2022/2023 is false.
“The U.S.A DV Visa Lottery online Application Form 2022/2023 registration exercise which is the quickest way for all Foreigners interested in immigrating legally to live, Study and work in UNITED STATES. The Resident Card Lottery Program also known as Diversity Immigration Visa Lottery program is a chance for 45,000 people from all over the world to become permanent and legal residents of the UNITED STATES, meaning that they can live. work and study in the U.S.A. Interested Applicants are to visit the Online Registration Portal. The Winners Will Be Drawn From Random Selection And There Is No Cost To Register”, reads the false message containing malicious link.
Screenshot of the shared WhatsApp message
When applicants click on the link, they are taken to a one-page website with a form that requests their title, name, phone number, email, address, country, and account password.
Screenshot of the forms applicants are asked to fill
After filling out the above information, one is said to be considered for a chance even without sending the confirmation email listed in the form; instead, applicants are asked to forward the message to more WhatsApp friends or groups.
Screenshot of the prompt after filling the form
When 211 Check investigated the claim link, it discovered that it was not the same as the official US Department of State website for the 2024 Diversity Visa Program.
As part of the legitimate processes for qualifying for the opportunity, the malicious website asks three questions: how well do you speak English, what is your employment status, and what age range do you prefer?
The form for filling out personal information requires password information, which is unusual given that it is not for logging in.
And it tempts users to send the message to fifteen friends or five WhatsApp groups before submitting the application.
Comparison with the Electronic Diversity Visa Program
211 Check compared the information requirements entered into the Electronic Diversity Visa Application Entry System on the US Department of State website to the one trending on WhatsApp and discovered that they do not match. The website’s features, terms, and conditions differ from the official information on the United States Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs.
And the U.S. government warned the public of fraudsters’ operations trying to distort the official program for personal gains, according to a notice of fraud warning published on the Department of State website.
“The Department of State, Office of Visa Services, advises the public of a notable increase in fraudulent emails and letters sent to Diversity Visa (DV) program (Visa Lottery) applicants. While DV applicants may receive an email from the U.S. government reminding them to check their status online through DV Entrant Status Check, they will not receive a notification letter or email informing them that they are a successful DV entrant. Applicants can only find out if they were selected to continue with DV processing by checking their status online through the DV Entrant Status Check,” reads the fraud warning.
“The only official way to apply for the DV program is directly through the official U.S. Department of State website during the specified and limited registration period”, it adds.
The screenshots of the true Electronic Diversity Visa Application System
Whois Information:
The domain information for the phishing link shows that it was registered on 07 April, 2022. A scam is usually apparent when a site is created around the same time it went viral.
Screenshot of the Whois domain information of the linkin circulating on WhatsApp
Conlusion
The link doing the rounds on WhatsApp about the United States resident card visa lottery 2022/2023 is false mimicking the official U.S. Department of State’s Diversity Visa Program. It is a phishing scam designed to harvest personal information from people online by fraudsters.
https://211check.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/US-DIVERSITY-PROGRAM.png788940211 Checkhttps://211check.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/211Check_logo-1-300x120.png211 Check2022-11-02 15:51:532022-11-02 15:51:56Fact-check: Is this the correct site for the US Diversity Visa Program 2024? No, it isn’t
The video is from September, 2016 and was taken in Zimbabwe and not South Sudan as alleged
A video posted on Facebook claiming to show a footballer fighting a referee during a match at Rumbek, South Sudan is False.
The video shared online on October 31, 2022 alleged that a player in Rumbek fought a match referee after being red carded.
“A football referee was beaten by a player in Rumbek after issuing him a straight red card.
According to the player, he says the referee was against him for nothing,” reads the caption of the post we are fact-checking.
However, we performed a keyword search on Google and established that the video was recorded in Zimbabwe and first went viral in September, 2016.
The video was taken from a Southern Division One league match pitting Victoria Falls Tigers against Amagagasi.
Trouble began when the referee gave a Victoria Tigers’ player matching orders, only for the latter to descend on him with punches, forcing the match official to retaliate.
211 Check has examined a videoposted on Facebook claiming to show a footballer fighting the match referee during an ongoing game at Rumbek, South Sudan and finds it to be False
https://211check.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Football-Pitch-Claim.png788940211 Checkhttps://211check.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/211Check_logo-1-300x120.png211 Check2022-11-02 15:48:572022-11-02 15:49:01FALSE: This video of player fighting referee during a football match is not from Rumbek, South Sudan
A Facebook post by Mr. Chia, a page that concentrates on foods and nutrition claimed on 14th October 2022 that Papaya seeds are a medication for Malaria.
The post that has since attracted 13 reactions, 3 comments and 2 shares carries a picture of a ripe pawpaw with the caption ‘ward off malaria with paw paw seeds’.
The post further claims that the paw paw seeds have more health benefits as in being a powerful antioxidant, relieves menstrual pain, healthy gut, helps in weight loss, anti-cancer properties, and nephroprotective.
A screenshot of the image used by Mr. Chia.
But, how do paw paw seeds ward off malaria? 211 Check looks at the claim:
The Facebook page, Mr. Chia mostly posts about foods and associated health benefits, and attributes a single food type to be medicinal too many diseases for example, in this case, it named malaria, cancer, healthy gut, reduces on menstrual pain, and protects the kidneys. In another post they wrote on sugarcane, explaining similar benefits.
However, there’s no clear dosage for the patient who is taking the medication in the page’s posts.
211 Check spoke to a medical doctor in Juba, Dr.Gwolo David of Juba Medicare clinic, enquiring whether papaya seeds can help prevent and cure malaria, but he said there’s no proven way that papaya seeds can help prevent or cure malaria though studies have shown its inhibitory effects on Plasmodium falciparum (malaria).
He said papaya, just like any fruit, is nutritional and he advises people to always have them in their diet, but they shouldn’t be eating them as medication. He further advised people to always visit a medical personnel when not feeling okay and take medication as advised by the physician.
Dr.Odol George, a Juba-based physician, had an answer not different from that of Dr.David.
“What is known is that fruits are good for health because they contain a lot of vitamins which will improve body immunity and have antioxidant elements like Vitamin E and Zinc,” he said.
Efforts to get a comment from the National Drug Authority were futile, as they couldn’t reply to our email.
What is Papaya?
According to Wikipedia papaya or pawpaw is the plant Carica papaya, one of the 22 accepted species in the genus Carica family Caricaceae. It was first domesticated in Mesoamerica, within modern day southern Mexico and Central America. In 2020 India produced 43% of the world supply of papaya.
An Internet based nutritional WebMD explains how beneficial papaya is to one’s health. Similarly other sites explains in their different as seen here, here, here and here
An image of a sliced ripe papaya (pawpaw) fruit.
Malaria causes symptoms, prevention and treatment
Malaria is spread by a female anopheles mosquito. Most common signs of malaria are fever, headache, joint pains and others. Malaria can be mild to deadly extent if not treated early enough. There many medicines that treat Malaria according to the way an individual responds to the parasites.
The Center for Diseases control explains more about Malaria, its causes, symptoms and treatment in this post. World Health Organization, the body that regulates and coordinates health issues in the world has this to say about malaria
Malaria is treated with a variety of medicines some of which are Chloroquine, Doxycycline, and Primaquine.
These health establishments give a better and more explanation on the types of medicines used for treating Malaria and these are: CDC, MedicineNet, and drugs.com.
Conclusion:
Given the findings after the comments from the medical doctors and reliable online sources, there’s on prove that papaya seeds are a medication for either malaria or the other said ailments.
The online nutritional sites which are somehow in support of the claim, warn that patients should first seek advice from a medical Doctor or a physician should they catch malaria.
https://211check.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Pawpaw-Claim.png788940211 Checkhttps://211check.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/211Check_logo-1-300x120.png211 Check2022-11-02 15:43:392022-11-02 15:43:43Fact-check: Can paw paw seeds ward off malaria? No, scientifically unproven
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Google Webfont Settings:
Google Map Settings:
Google reCaptcha Settings:
Vimeo and Youtube video embeds:
Privacy Policy
You can read about our cookies and privacy settings in detail on our Privacy Policy Page.
Screenshot of the shared WhatsApp message
