Tag Archive for: #FactsMatter

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Fact-check: Donald Trump is not offering a $200 grant to Africans

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Authentic grant applications or financial assistance programs do not demand users to share promotional links on social media to proceed.

Writer: Makur Majeng

A viral message circulating on WhatsApp groups claiming that U.S. President-elect, Donald Trump is offering a $200 cash grant to Africans, is false. This claim is part of an online scam to deceive users and potentially compromise their personal information.

“Donald Trump donates $200 Grant each to everyone in all African countries as he becomes the president of America for the second time,” reads the fraudulent message 

Screenshot of the WhatsApp message

Upon clicking the provided link, users are shown a pop-up message with instructions to withdraw the grant cash.

“SMS: Congratulations You are qualify for President Trump $200 CASH GRANT FOR AFRICANS. Kindly Press OK to Withdraw Cash Prize”.

Screenshot of the pop-up message

Users are then prompted to answer questions such as, Is Donald Trump a good president? Choose your gender. Select your age group.

Screenshots of the questions

After answering the questions, users are instructed to share the link with five WhatsApp groups or 15 friends before proceeding to the final submission page.

Screenshots of the web page interface

Claim Verification:

A Google keyword search using terms like “Donald Trump $200 grant for Africans” reveals no credible results or related news articles. No announcements or information from reputable sources validate this claim.

Legitimate grant offers or financial aid programs associated with public figures or governments are typically announced via formal channels such as official press releases, established news outlets, or verified social media accounts.

A Whois domain lookup for the link provided indicates that it was registered recently, on February 25, 2024, and is set to expire on February 25, 2025. The domain is not affiliated with Donald Trump or any credible organization associated with him.

Screenshot of the Whois domain analysis

Trump who won the U.S. presidential election recently, has no announcement on all his official social media platforms regarding a $200 grant for each African. 

Analysis:

A VirusTotal scan of the URL confirms that the website poses potential security risks, including redirecting users to phishing pages. These sites may prompt users to download malicious software, complete fake surveys, or enter personal information that can be exploited for identity theft.

The requirement for applicants to share the link with multiple WhatsApp contacts or groups is a classic scam technique. This tactic spreads the fraudulent link quickly and widely, creating a false sense of legitimacy yet it is not.

Authentic grant applications or financial assistance programs do not demand users to share promotional links on social media to proceed.

Conclusion:

211 Check has verified that the claim about Donald Trump offering a $200 grant to everyone in all African countries is a hoax. This is part of a scam campaign aimed at collecting personal information, defrauding victims,  and possibly installing malicious software on users’ devices.

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 +211 921 350 435. #FactsMatter.

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Fact-check: The South Sudan Youth Empowerment Fund 2024 is a hoax

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Legitimate government financial assistance initiatives are typically announced through formal channels such as press releases, national news outlets, or public statements from officials. The Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Sports did not put up such a grant.

Writer: Makur Majeng

A WhatsApp message circulating online claiming that the Government of South Sudan has approved the Youth Empowerment Fund 2024 is a scam.

The message asserts that the government, through the Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Sports, has approved a grant of 50,000 SSP to be paid to unemployed youths and individuals affected by the crisis in South Sudan and that payments have already begun. 

The claim provides a link for individuals to apply and requests personal details like name, mobile number, email, date of birth, and gender.

“The Government of South Sudan has approved an empowerment grant fund of 50,000 SSP to be paid to unemployed youths of South Sudan and to compensate citizens affected by the crisis in South Sudan. Payment has already begun. Apply now to be one of the beneficiaries.

Click the link below to apply now.” reads the message being forwarded in the WhatsApp groups.

The screenshot of the WhatsApp message

The screenshot of the web interface

After submitting basic personal information, applicants are asked to share the application portal with WhatsApp groups or contacts before being redirected to the final submission page to select a payment method.

The screenshot of the webpages

Claim Verification:

A Google keyword search using terms like “South Sudan Youth Empowerment Fund 2024” yields no relevant results. No open-source reports or announcements from credible government websites, independent news outlets, or official social media accounts of the Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Sports regarding such a fund exist. 

The Ministry of Youth has not publicised any such program on its official platforms or in any event for the public.

Legitimate government programs or financial assistance initiatives are typically announced through formal channels such as government press releases, national news outlets, or public statements from officials.

A Whois domain search of the destination website shows no affiliation with the Government of South Sudan or any recognised institutions. 

Scammers commonly use such unverified links to lead users to phishing sites where personal data can be harvested or used for malicious purposes.

The screenshot of the whois domain search

Analysis

Additionally, a VirusTotal scan of the link shows that the site is potentially dangerous, as it can redirect users to phishing websites.

The request for applicants to share the link with multiple WhatsApp contacts or groups is a classic scam technique. This tactic is used to spread the fraudulent link widely and quickly, making it appear more credible as it circulates. 

Genuine government applications do not require applicants to share links on social media to proceed with their applications. This behaviour is typical of pyramid schemes or phishing scams designed to gather personal information for identity theft or fraud.

Conclusion:

211CHECK found out that the South Sudan Youth Empowerment Fund 2024 is a hoax

There is no verifiable evidence that the Government of South Sudan or the Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Sports is running the Youth Empowerment Fund 2024. This message is part of a phishing scam aimed at collecting personal information under pretences.

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 +211 921 350 435. #FactsMatter.

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Fact-check: No, This Photo Does Not Show Christians Burnt by a Pastor in Congo

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This image does not depict Christians burnt by a pastor in Congo. Instead, it shows the tragic aftermath of a fuel tanker explosion in Morogoro, Tanzania, in 2019.

Writer: Makur Majeng

An image circulating on WhatsApp, accompanied by a false claim that Christians were burnt by a Congolese pastor, is false. The image is not from Congo and does not depict the aftermath of any church-related incident in that country. 

The graphic photo shows charred bodies piled on the ground while surrounded by onlookers, accompanied by a statement that warns Christians to take care; it is falsely attributed to an incident involving a pastor who allegedly burnt his followers. 

“A pastor in Congo has burned his followers in the church. So Christians take care, not every church you go to is good. Some are terrorists and devil worshippers,” reads the statement.

The screenshot of the image on WhatsApp

Claim Verification:

A Yandex reverse image search by 211CHECK of the picture revealed that it is not from Congo but was first circulated about a tragic accident in Tanzania. On August 10, 2019, a fuel tanker exploded in Morogoro, Tanzania, resulting in the deaths of at least 100 people. 

The explosion occurred when a group of people rushed to siphon petrol from the overturned tanker. Nation Africa, in its report, attributed the incident to have been caused by an attempt by a man to remove the tanker’s battery, which created sparks that ignited fuel, leading to the devastating fire. 

Many of the victims, including motorcyclists and taxi drivers, suffered burns over 80% of their bodies and more succumbed to their injuries, according to media reports. 

This incident had been fact-checked by AFP Fact-Check and Altnews, which confirmed the true origin of the image.

This same image had been falsely attributed to xenophobic violence attacks in South Africa but debunked by AFP Check as false. 

Conclusion:

This image does not depict Christians burnt by a pastor in Congo. Instead, it shows the tragic aftermath of a fuel tanker explosion in Morogoro, Tanzania, in 2019. The image has been repeatedly misused to promote false narratives. The claim did not provide the name of any pastor or a specific location, as well as whether it is in Congo Brazzaville or the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) where the incident happened.

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 +211 921 350 435. #FactsMatter.

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Fact-check: No, Nile Petroleum Corporation is not recruiting new staff

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The WhatsApp message claiming that NilePet Corporation is recruiting new staff is misleading and false. The NilePet Corporation did not advertise any new job vacancies for recruitment.

Author: Makur Majeng

A WhatsApp message widely shared in groups claiming to be from Nile Petroleum Corporation commonly known as NILEPET is a hoax. 

The claim alleged that NilePet has opened an application portal to recruit new staff to fill available positions, citing that some candidates have been selected. 

“Nile Petroleum Corporation Limited (NILEPET). The Nile Petroleum Corporation Limited (NILEPET) has opened an application portal to recruit new staff to fill available positions. Recruitment has started and some candidates have been selected. Don’t miss this great opportunity. Click the link below to apply now. Application is free and available to all interested candidates. Apply now👇https://tinyurl.com/nilepet-recruitment,” reads the WhatsApp message.

The screenshot of the WhatsApp message

The screenshot of the first webpage

When a user clicks on the provided link, it requires a user to enter their personal information, such as title, name, phone number, and email. Then it will prompt him or her to click the “APPLY” button to go to the next webpage. After clicking on the continue button, it asks a user to choose his/her gender between male and female and click on the “PROCEED” button.

However, after choosing the gender, it will instruct a user to follow the instructions carefully to submit his/her application successfully, asking the user to share the message with 5 groups or 15 friends on WhatsApp.

After following this step, a user would be informed that his/her application was successful, with a promise of Short Messaging Service (SMS) confirmation from NILEPET via their phone number.

Upon clicking prompts for application status and submitting or downloading the form, a user will be taken to a different website.

The screenshot of the webpages 

Claim Verification:

The Nilepet, in a statement issued to the public through its official Facebook page, dismissed the claim as fake.

“Nilepet’s Public Relations department would like to warn the public about a fake recruitment scheme using the Nilepet name. We strongly condemn this and urge everyone to stay alert. For accurate information, please consult our official Nilepet communication channel,” reads the official statement from the Nilepet Public Relations Department.

The screenshot of Nilepet’s Facebook post

The WHOIS domain lookup of the website shows that it was registered in 2002 and will 

expire in 2029.

The screenshot of the WHOIS domain lookup

However, it has been flagged by VirusTotal analysis to be a phishing attack.

Conclusion:

211 Check found that the WhatsApp message claiming NILEPET is recruiting new staff in 2024 is fake and misleading. It is a phishing website designed to steal personal information.

The Nile Petroleum Corporation Limited did not advertise any new job vacancies, and it refuted the claim while stating that its vacancy advertisements are placed on authorised channels.

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 +211 921 350 435. #FactsMatter.

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Fact-check: The viral South Sudan Wealth Tracking List document is fake

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The Permanent Mission of the Republic of South Sudan to the United Nations in New York has officially declared the circulating “South Sudan Wealth Tracking List” as fraudulent.

Writer: Makur Majeng

A document dated June 20th, 2024, purported to have been authored by the United Nations Security Council and circulating on social media with a claim on the South Sudan wealth tracking list is fake. 

The document titled “South Sudan Wealth Tracking List” with resolution number 2731 (2024) listed 30 individuals, some of whom are government officials and businessmen/women. 

The resolution called upon parties, member states, international, regional, and subregional organisations to cooperate with the panel of experts on providing information on illicit transfers of wealth originating from South Sudan.

“Calls upon all parties and all Member States, as well as international, regional, and subregional organisations, to ensure cooperation with the Panel of Experts,  including by providing any information on illicit transfers of wealth from South Sudan into financial, property, and business networks, and further urges all Member States involved to ensure the safety of the members of the Panel of Experts and unhindered access, in particular to persons, documents, and sites, in order for the Panel of  Experts to execute its mandate,” reads part of the text in the document.

The screenshot of the fake document

The document has been widely shared and forwarded to WhatsApp groups.

Claim Verification:

Online research by 211 Check established that the document resolution number 2731(2024) is for the UN Security Council resolution for the renewal of the arms embargo and targeted sanctions on South Sudan adopted on May 30th, 2024, not for the wealth tracking list document as claimed.

On the other hand, the South Sudan permanent mission to the UN issued a statement on September 8th, 2024, debunking the document as fake and fraudulent.

“The Permanent Mission of the Republic of South Sudan to the United Nations in New York alerts the public that a document dated June 20, 2024, currently circulating on social media and purporting to be from the UN Sanctions Committee and Panel of Experts, is a fraudulent document,” reads the statement. 

“This document, which claims to contain a South Sudan Wealth Tracking List, has no legitimate origin from the United Nations, the Security Council, or any of its related bodies,” it adds. 

Conclusion:

The document titled “South Sudan Wealth Tracking List” is confirmed to be fake and was not authored by the UN Security Council. The Security Council did not issue any resolution related to the South Sudan wealth tracking list.

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 +211 921 350 435. #FactsMatter.

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Explainer: How Starlink differs from other Internet service providers

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Starlink is a satellite internet service offered by Elon Musk’s SpaceX around the world, including South Sudan.

Writer: Makur Majeng

Starlink is a satellite internet service that provides high-speed internet to remote and underserved areas, including everywhere on Earth. Starlink was launched on May 23, 2019, by SpaceX Falcon 9 Rocket. In comparison with traditional telecommunications companies and Internet service providers that offer Internet services, Starlink’s technology operates based on Low Earth Orbit at speeds of 7.7 km/s above the Earth’s surface and conveys Internet coverage directly from space. 

Source: Rafael Henrique / LightRocket via Getty Images

The differences between Starlink satellite and traditional Internet service providers (companies).

In contrast to traditional fibre optics, copper cables, cellular networks, or other physical infrastructures, the Starlink network consists of LEO satellites put in orbit. Later, these satellites will be used to establish connections with ground stations and user terminals known as small satellite dishes. 

As a result, it allows the company to provide internet services where it is impossible or economically impractical to lay a physical network infrastructure.

Meanwhile, telecom companies typically use fibre-optic cables, Digital Subscriber Lines (DSL), and cellular towers to provide internet services. 

On the other hand, Starlink provides global coverage and provides services for citizens in remote and rural areas, but telecom internet companies operate with limited coverage and serve the citizens of the city and suburban areas or wherever there is network infrastructure.

SpaceX’s Starlink Internet Service consists of a ground terminal (right) and antenna for high-speed satellite internet. (Image credit: SpaceX)

What are the pros and cons of Starlink?

Pros

Starlink enables internet penetration in locations where regular internet services are unavailable. It demands no need for enormous ground-based infrastructure and minimises time to deploy. 

The satellite infrastructure could ultimately result in lower operating costs compared to traditional physical infrastructures once the entire network is implemented.

Cons

Starlink for starters is expensive, and users must buy a satellite dish and router for setup, and weather-dependent typical performance can suffer from things like snow or rain, and it is also expensive for poor households to acquire Starlink for home use.

The number of countries using Starlink as of August 2024 includes 21 countries from continental America, which are the United States, Puerto Rico, United States Virgin Islands, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Canada, Chile, Easter Island, Mexico, Brazil, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Barbados, Peru, Colombia, Haiti, Ecuador, El Salvador, Panama, Trinidad and Tobago, Guatemala, Bahamas, Honduras, Paraguay, Argentina, Uruguay, and Costa Rica.

In Europe, there are 30 countries, including overseas territories, which include; the United Kingdom, Pitcairn Islands, Germany, France, Saint Martin, Saint Barthélemy, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Austria, Netherlands, Belgium, Ireland, Denmark, Portugal, Switzerland, Poland, Italy, Czechia, Sweden, Croatia, Lithuania, Spain, Slovakia, Slovenia, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Romania, Greece, Latvia, Hungary, North Macedonia, Luxembourg, Moldova, Estonia, Norway, Malta, Finland, Iceland, Cyprus, Georgia, and Albania.

In Oceania, there are 6 countries, which include New Zealand, Australia, Micronesia, Fiji, and Tonga. 

On the African continent, there are 13 countries, which include Nigeria, Rwanda, Mozambique, Kenya, Malawi, Zambia, Benin, Eswatini, Sierra Leone, Madagascar, South Sudan, Botswana, and Ghana. In Asia, there are 6 countries: Japan, Philippines, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, and Indonesia.

The Starlink availability map is here.

The global availability of the Starlink maps with the light blue location, source: Starlink

What are the future markets of traditional Internet service providers?

In rural or remote areas of competition, traditional Internet service providers (ISPs) like Liquid, Connect, IPTech, and others, for example, may not be as competitive as Starlink due to high infrastructure costs, and at the same time, the demand for their services may decrease with the growing Starlink penetration due to more users’ acquisitions of Starlink.

For ISPs to compete in reliability, speed, and reachability, they will need to invest heavily in expanding the coverage of fibre optic cable infrastructure in both remote and urban areas, which is financially very costly. 

However, Starlink is less costly in terms of infrastructure and can reach areas without cellular tower networks using its terminals and dishes.

In another related development, on January 8th, 2024, SpaceX successfully tested text messaging using its direct-to-cell satellites. The move further aims to overcome the challenge of connecting cell phones and other cellular devices to fast-moving satellites. 

Six satellites were launched, which function as cellphone towers in space and will provide text service in 2024 and voice, data services, and the Internet of Things (IoT) in 2025. 

This addition, according to Elon Musk, will allow mobile phone connectivity anywhere on Earth. However, he noted that it is not competitive with the existing terrestrial cellular networks. 

SpaceX has partnered with T-Mobile and other global operators to utilise the Long Term Evolution (LTE) spectrum, a fourth-generation network wireless standard offering seamless connectivity without the need for new devices or apps.

Conclusion:

Starlink technology is on the verge of becoming a major advancement in terms of the Internet service markets, especially for rural and underprivileged locations. On one hand, it is capable of providing worldwide coverage and scalability. 

However, its downsides include weather-dependent reliability and a relatively high cost for starters.

To remain competitive in the evolving telecom landscape, traditional carriers will need to adapt and invest—potentially striking internet infrastructures that cover hard-to-reach areas with reliable affordability for underprivileged locations. 

However, the entry of Starlink into the Internet markets has put pressure on traditional Internet service providers on how to retain and maintain market shares. 

In South Sudan, the National Communication Authority (NCA) approved Elon Musk’s Starlink Satellite Internet entry on June 26, 2024, and South Sudanese citizens have embraced the internet service compared with the fibre optic one.

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

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Fact-check: Is this Profession2 Facebook page with free online courses legitimate?

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No, it is not a legitimate page for an institution but was created by scammers for malicious activity online. 

 Writer: Beatrice Amude Paulino 

A Facebook page called Professions2  ran a sponsored advertisement on August 7, 2024, claiming that there are free online courses that may run for four weeks. After completion, trainees will be issued degree certificates and computers. 

Screenshot of the Facebook page

211 Check Investigation

211Check has observed that there is no authentic website or name of an institution that is responsible for the offer, and page transparency shows that it was created on June 3rd, 2024. The claim posted a malicious and phishing link that directs a user to share his or her personal information like name, contacts, address, and others.

Screenshot of the claim

Conclusion:

211Check found out that the Facebook post claiming free online courses for students in 2024 is false and misleading, and the page is not related to any institution, whether public or private. The page has no official address or contact information associated with it. 

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 +211 921 350 435. #FactsMatter.

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Explainer: MonkeyPox, what do you need to know?

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A cumulative total of 99,176 laboratory-confirmed cases of Mpox, including 208 deaths, were reported to WHO from 116 countries in all six WHO regions in Africa from January 1st, 2022, to June 30th, 2024. However, South Sudan has no confirmed case of Mpox, according to the Ministry of Health.

Writer: Beatrice Amude Paulino

A media report on August 7th, 2024 by Radio Tamazuj indicated that there were two suspected cases of monkeypox in Aweil town, Northern Bahr-el Ghazal State.

The State Ministry of Health has reported the case, and some samples were taken to the World Health Organisation in Juba, according to Dr. Riing Riing Lual Dau, the Northern Bahr-el Ghazal State Minister of Health.  

“We called the lab technicians to take the sample that was booked by WHO to Juba to be confirmed in the main lab. If it is monkeypox, we will inform our community to put in place preventative measures,” said Dr. Riing.

The Getty image indicates monkeypox patience. 

211 Check research:

With the recent suspected case of monkeypox, 211check has conducted in-depth research to educate the public.

What is monkeypox?

According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) is a disease caused by infection with a virus known as the monkeypox virus. This virus is part of the same family virus that causes smallpox.

Mpox is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be spread between animals and people. It is endemic, or found regularly, in parts of Central and West Africa. The virus that causes monkeypox has been found in small rodents, monkeys, and other mammals that live in these areas.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) says the monkeypox virus is an orthopoxvirus that causes mpox (monkeypox), a disease with symptoms similar to smallpox, although less severe. 

While smallpox was eradicated in 1980, mpox continues to occur in countries in central and western Africa. 

How does the monkeypox virus transmit?

According to the WHO, Mpox spreads from person to person through close contact with someone who is infected with the monkeypox virus. Close contact includes being face-to-face (such as talking or breathing close to one another, which can generate droplets or short-range aerosols); skin-to-skin (such as touching or vaginal/anal sex); mouth-to-mouth (such as kissing); or mouth-to-skin contact (such as oral sex or kissing the skin). 

The CDC indicates that both clades of mpox spread through direct contact with infected wild animals, through close contact, including intimate or sexual contact with a person with mpox, and through contact with contaminated materials.

Similar analyses can also be found here, here, here, and here.

What are the signs and symptoms of monkeypox?

People with mpox often get a rash that may be located on hands, feet, chest, face, or mouth, or near the genitals, including the penis, testicles, labia, vagina, and anus, according to the CDC.

The first symptom of monkeypox is a rash, while others may have different symptoms first. The rash begins as a flat sore, which develops into a blister filled with liquid and may be itchy or painful. As the rash heals, the lesions dry up, crust over, and fall off. Some people may have one or a few skin lesions, and others may have hundreds or more. These can appear anywhere on the body, such as the palms of hands and soles of feet, face, mouth, throat, groin and genital areas, and anus.

Some people also have painful swelling of their rectum or pain and difficulty when peeing.

More information can also be found here.

Besides, the WHO factsheet indicates the signs and symptoms of a person infected with monkeypox usually begin within a week but can start 1 to 21 days after exposure. However, the symptoms typically last 2 to 4 weeks and sometimes longer in someone with a weakened immune system.

How can monkeypox be detected and treated?

According to the Cleveland Clinic, to diagnose mpox, the healthcare provider takes a tissue sample from an open sore (lesion). Then, send it to a lab for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing genetic fingerprinting. 

In addition to that, the person affected also needs to give a blood sample to check for the monkeypox virus or antibodies the immune system makes.

Currently, there are not any approved antiviral treatments for monkeypox. However, antiviral drugs like cidofovir or tecovirimat may be prescribed to the sick person by a healthcare provider. 

How can monkeypox be prevented?

The CDC recommends the JYNNEOS vaccine for the prevention of mpox. Getting both doses provides the best protection. A person should get two doses four weeks apart. Even if it has been longer than 4 weeks since the first vaccine dose, one needs to get the second dose as soon as possible. However, if a Mpox patient previously recovered from mpox, he or she does not need the vaccine.

What are the authorities in South Sudan doing about the recent suspected monkeypox cases?

The Northern Bahr el Ghazal State Ministry of Health has registered two suspected samples that were taken to Uganda for further investigation.  

However, according to the report by Radio Tamazuj, Dr. Riing Yak Chan, the Director of Preventive Health Services, said none of the cases has substantively been confirmed as monkeypox but promised to continue monitoring the situation.

In addition to that, the National Ministry of Health, in a press statement on August 19th, 2024 assured the public that South Sudan has no confirmed case of monkeypox.

“The Ministry of Health reassures that there is no confirmed case of Mpox in South Sudan and urges the general public to remain calm but vigilant and report any suspected cases to the nearest health facility or to call the Toll-Free Line 6666,” reads a press statement released by the Ministry of Health.

On the other hand, the Health Ministry encouraged the public to adhere to the following public health preventive measures:

  • Avoid close contact with an infected person.
  • Use personal protective equipment (PPE) when caring for patients.
  • Do not share bedding, clothing, towels, or utensils with sick people.
  • Practice hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette.
  • Isolate infected patients in hospitals or at home.
  • Avoid close contact with wild animals, especially those found sick or dead.
  • Cook all foods containing fresh animal meat or products properly before eating.

What is the World Health Organisation saying?

WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus declared the mpox outbreak a public health emergency of international concern on August 14, 2024. The WHO  noted that the declaration makes it easier to speed up the acquisition and implementation of funding, global public health measures, and joint efforts to contain the disease. The WHO advisory on Mpox is found here also.

 Conclusion

With the declaration of monkeypox as a public health emergency of international concern by the WHO, South Sudan has no confirmed cases of the disease. 

However, the Health Ministry noted that “in the African region, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) recorded the highest number of Mpox cases for the time, with sustained transmission driven by sexual contact. Other countries neighbouring the DRC that have reported Mpox include Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda. Some of these countries closely bordering South Sudan with porous borders and high population movements posed an increased risk of spillover of the monkeypox virus into the country.”

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.

Fighting misinformation and disinformation in the media is crucial to 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.

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Fact-check: No, South University of Medicine is not offering free online courses

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Fact-check: No, South University of Medicine is not offering free online courses.

The South University of Medicine, Science, and Technology has debunked that the Facebook page is unrelated and the university is not offering online courses.

Author: Makur Majeng

A sponsored Facebook post claiming that the South University of Medicine, Science, and Technology is offering free online courses is a hoax and misleading.

The course offer, which targets people aged 18 to 55 years old, claimed that degree certificates will be issued after passing examinations.

“Starting from August 5, 2024, all South Sudanese can participate in the online courses of the University of South Sudan for free, and degree certificates will be issued after passing the exams, including foreigners. 18-55 years old,” reads the Hope Space Facebook page post.

The post has gained over 1,400 likes, 199 comments, and 21 shares since its publication.

The screenshot of the Facebook post.

Upon clicking the link provided in the Facebook post, it sends a user to a webpage to select the course of his or her choice. 

If a user selects any of the courses provided on the web interface, it will prompt him or her to tap on the “Visit Website” button. 

A screenshot of the web pages of the fake website

However, if the green button is clicked, it will automatically redirect to a different website. called Reed Courses. 

The screenshot of the webpage interface to which users are redirected.

Claim Verification:

211 Check contacted the South University of Medicine, Science, and Technology for comment via their official Facebook page, and they responded that the university does not offer online courses.

“The page [Hope Space] is not ours; we don’t offer online courses. Be alert for scammers. The logo is ours, but we don’t offer online courses,” reads a response from the South University of Medicine, Science & Technology.

Last week, a similar claim about the Ministry of General Education and Instruction offering free online courses was debunked as a hoax.

Conclusion:

211 Check has identified the Facebook post purporting that the South University of Medicine, Science, and Technology provides free online courses as deceptive and fraudulent.

The university is not affiliated with the Facebook page and is intended to deceive and scam people.

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 +211 921 350 435. #FactsMatter

Fact-check: Former South African President Thabo Mbeki is alive

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Former South African President Thabo Mbeki is alive, his foundation has said, despite false reports about his death being circulated on various websites.

Writer: Kei Emmanuel

News circulating on websites about the death of former and second South African President Thabo Mbeki is false.

The false news was first published on Nigerian-based sites National Waves and The Discoverer on the afternoon of Wednesday, 03rd January 2024.

The Discoverer News Agency alleges that Mbeki died of a short illness at the age of 74 on Tuesday morning while receiving treatment in a hospital. This shortly led to his Wikipedia page being edited to reflect his current status.

C:\Users\Emmanuel\Desktop\Death.png

Screenshot of edited Thabo Mbeki’s Wikipedia page

Claim Verification: 

On Wednesday, 03rd January 2024, the Thabo Mbeki Foundation refuted claims on the news of Thabok Mbeki’s death through a press statement.

The Thabo Mbeki Foundation, in the statement, confirmed that the former Head of State is alive and in good health; however, it cautioned the public against consuming fake news in the digital period.

“We deny those reports and wish to assure the public that President Mbeki is alive and healthy. Therefore, we urge caution and responsible engagement with online media information, particularly when misinformation can spread rapidly,” states the letter.

C:\Users\Emmanuel\Desktop\Mbeki SA.jpg

The press release by the Thabo Mbeki Foundation

After the Thabo Mbeki Foundation issued the statement, several South Africans and other media users worldwide are now calling for tougher actions against individuals spreading false news. 

Thabo Mbeki served as President of South Africa for ten years after the post-apartheid era, taking over from Nelson Mandela in 1999 till 2008. During his regime, Mbeki played a key role in South Africa’s economic transformation and post-apartheid stability, his Britannica bio says.

This is not the first time Mbeki has been pronounced dead, in 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic, News24 ran an article that was widely circulated on WhatsApp platforms, perpetuating his death. 

Conclusion: 

211 Check finds news circulating on social media and other websites that the former and second President of South Africa, Thabo Mbeki, is dead, false.

His foundation says the Former president Thabo Mbeki is alive, well and in good health, contrary to online reports that he has died.

A publication under 211 Check’s ‘Fact-check for a pay’ Initiative with Support from the International Fact-checking Network through the BUILD grant.

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. #FactsMatters.