Tag Archive for: #SouthSudan

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

/in , , , , , ,

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

/in , , , , ,

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  

/in , , , , , ,

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

/in , , ,

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: Is it necessary to cut any drug before taking it as stated?

/in , , , ,

No, this is an old issue and hoax.

Writer: Ochaya Jackson

A WhatsApp claim widely forwarded to users that warned people to cut any drug before swallowing it is a hoax.

The claim appeared to be a screenshot of a Facebook post by Nana Daudi taken in March 2018.

“Pls [please] cut any drug before taking it and pls [please] share to save a life,” reads the text accompanying the tablet image with thin iron metal.

Screenshot of the claim 

Google’s reverse image search of the claim returned that it was posted in October 2015 on a Facebook page with an Arabic name which Google translated to be a Pharmacist drug store accompanied with a claim saying “might be beneficial for anaemia because of iron deficiency”.

And also returned that the image was featured in a blog written by Ankur Choudhang published on a Pharmaguideline website about regulatory requirements for market complaints.

A Yandex reverse image search engine returned that many people with claims in multiple languages used a similar image on various Twitter handles.

A Twitter user named Derrick Cristopher 2015 tweeted the exact image attached with a Swahili statement advising people to break the tablet before swallowing to ensure it is safe.

“When you want to swallow any pill, you are advised to break it first to make sure that the pill inside is safe. The one you see in the middle of the panadol is a wire. Let’s be careful my brothers,” reads a translated Swahili statement using Google Translate.

Another Twitter user Alfredo Tweeted the image accompanied by a written Russian text in November 2015, claiming the drug to be paracetamol made in Israel.

“Warning! Now produced and sold in pharmacies, paracetamol made in Israel. Which contains iron stranded wire. Which leads to death. We kindly ask you to break the tablet before use to make sure it is empty. Send it to all you dear people,” reads a Google translated Russian text in English.

Alfredo’s tweeted image claim

TC Nurgul Gunus Gol Twitter handle tweeted in December 2015 the same image which claimed the tablet to be Bristol from Israel and said it was available in pharmacies.

“Warning, currently in pharmacies, Bristol from Israel has the pill inside. The pill contains a poisonous metal wire. May cause death. Please break the pill before drinking it and make sure there is no wire inside. Send this message to everyone dear to you,” reads part of the Google-translated text.

Hamdamuzbproo, a Twitter user, shared the tablet image on his handle, claiming to be Paracetamol made in Israel, adding it is produced and sold in pharmacies.

“Warning!. Now they produce and sell in pharmacies Paracetamol made in Israel, which contains a poisonous metal wire that leads to death. We kindly ask everyone to break the tablet before use to make sure it is empty. Share this news with all your loved ones,” reads the Google translated text below the tablet image. 

Findings

211 Check found that the claim also circulated as chain messages on social media in Indonesia, where its country’s Drug and Food Control  (Badan POM) regulatory body stated clarification in September 2016.

“In connection with the rise of chain messages on social media and short message applications with the title “be careful there is thin iron in the drug”, we can provide [that] every drug product circulating in Indonesia must obtain a distribution permit from the POM Agency so that the safety, efficacy and quality of the drug can be guaranteed, with one of the requirements being the application of GMP (Good Medicine Production Method). The application of GMP by the pharmaceutical industry includes quality control and quality assurance, which are a series of processes before, during and after the production process to guarantee quality according to standards, including preventing unwanted contamination of physical, chemical or biological contaminants,” reads part of the text written in the Indonesian Language as Google translated English version issued by Indonesian Drug and Food Control body.

However, the drug and food regulatory body could not determine the identity of the tablet with iron metal inside it.

“Every drug distribution follows CDOB (Good Drug Distribution Method) to meet the approved provisions to the patient/community consistently. As a protection for the public, the POM Agency will continue to supervise the possibility of circulating products that do not meet the requirements. The identity of the tablet containing metal circulating on social media is unclear, so the BPOM cannot follow up on it,” it added.

And according to Kominfo, an Indonesian-based website reported in 2019 that Ustadz Yusuf Mansur wrote the claim, but he did not write anything regarding the claim.

Conclusion:

211 Check can not ascertain the identity of the drug containing iron metal, whether panadol or paracetamol, making it hard to find its manufacturer. But the claim is an old one being recycled again on social media platforms.

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: Did Kenyan President William Ruto say his life is under threat?

/in , , ,

No, the video title is misleading, and the claim is unproven.

Writer: Ochaya Jackson

A video posted on Facebook by Chinny’s World TV claims that President William Ruto’s life is under threat. This is unproven.

The video is accompanied by text that reads: “My l!fê is under Thrêãt because I said the truth, Kenya President William Ruto Cr!ês out (sic).”

Screenshot of the Facebook video clip accompanying the claim

According to the video narration, the threat to Ruto’s life came after he spoke about the need to abandon dependence on the U.S. dollar for trade transactions among African nations. 

The video also claimed that Ruto later clarified that he was not against the U.S. dollar but emphasised that transactions should be made in local currencies to ease trade in Africa. At the same time, goods bought from the U.S. can be settled in U.S. dollars.

As such, the video claimed that the United States did not find Ruto’s address favourable and ‘is looking for all means to bring him down.’

The video also alleged that one of Ruto’s close friends said Ruto ‘needs more protection.’

211 Check Analysis:

The video does not feature Ruto’s voice or a clip saying his life was under threat, as claimed by the title. There is no available evidence to suggest the U.S. wants to bring down Ruto’s regime, and the claim did not explain how the U.S. wants to bring down Ruto’s government.

Conclusion:

Ruto has not made any explicit, publicly available statements claiming that the media or other sources threaten his life since becoming president. There is also no public record of a comment alleged to have been made by one of President William Ruto’s close friends that he needs ‘more protection.’

Therefore, Chinny’s World TV claim that Kenyan President William Ruto claimed his life was under threat is unproven.

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: Are these images all from South Sudan?

/in , , , , ,

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

/in , ,

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 photo show a man who added HIV- infected blood to Pepsi products?

/in , , , ,

No, the image under investigation was first published nearly ten years ago, depicting the extradition of a terrorism suspect from Sudan to Nigeria. However, the claim fails to specify the location or time of the incident referenced in the post.

Writer: Beatrice Amude Paulino

An image circulating on WhatsApp claiming that people should avoid consuming any products from the Pepsi Company for a few weeks due to an alleged incident where a worker supposedly added his HIV-infected blood to the beverages firm products is FALSE.

The image shows a man in handcuffs being escorted by police and is accompanied by a message stating that Sky News reported the incident.

A screenshot from the WhatsApp group describes the above situation. 

Investigation:

According to a Google Lens Search of the image, the photo was shared after the arrest of the alleged Nyanya bombing mastermind, Aminu Ogwuche.

Further investigation by 211 Check confirmed that the photo depicts Aminu Sadiq Ogwuche, who was arrested in Sudan and later extradited to Nigeria after the Nyanya bomb attack in Nigeria’s Federal Capital. According to the Nigerian site Premium Times, Ogwuche was handed over to the Nigerian police on 15 July 2014.

In another related finding, Vishvas News conducted a fact-check on 15 July 2020. It debunked a claim stating that the man in the photo contaminated Cadbury products with his alleged HIV-positive blood.

However, it’s important to note that according to the Centre for Food Safety and the World Health Organization, HIV cannot be transmitted through water or food because the virus does not survive long outside the human body. Additionally, if food contains a small amount of HIV-infected blood or semen, the virus is destroyed when exposed to air, heat from cooking, and stomach acids.

Elsewhere, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has indicated that the only case where food infected with HIV blood could potentially affect people is if a mother or caregiver who is HIV positive chooses to give pre-chewed food from their mouth to an infant.

Conclusion:

211 Check has found that the claim that a man put his HIV-infected blood in Pepsi products is false and misleading. 

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 lives—Fact-check before sharing. For more details, visit https://211check.org/ or message us on WhatsApp at +211 917 298 255. #FactsMatter 

HOAX: This Google Form advertising jobs in Canada is a scam

/in , , , ,

The work permit application criteria on the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada website does not include filling out a Google Form.

Writer: PesaCheck

This Google Form on Facebook with instructions on how to apply for jobs in Canada is a HOAX.

The form claims there is a massive recruitment targeting Kenyans seeking employment in Canada.

The purported Google Form makes reference to the labour migration framework announced on 2 May 2023 by President William Ruto that Kenya and Canada are working to enable more Kenyans to get skilled jobs in the North American country.

However, communication by the IRCC and Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs does not indicate that the procedure to apply for Canadian jobs includes filling out a Google Form, such as the one we are investigating.

The Google Form lists bakery workers, truck drivers, housekeepers, gardeners, nannies, chefs, plumbers, and janitors, among others, as the jobs Kenyans should apply for.

Curiously, the qualifications for employment are basic despite some of the jobs listed requiring professional expertise. They include that the job seeker must be 18 years and above, be conversant in English, be disciplined, and ready to work in Canada.

The Google Form further promises a remuneration package of CAD$69,500 (KSh5,370,000) and above per year. It also promises free Kenyan passport application, Canadian visa application, air ticket, and accommodation in Canada, among other benefits.

The form includes an image that is irrelevant to Canadian immigration. A reverse image search shows that the photograph was taken in November 2022, when President Ruto oversaw an agreement between Kenya and Fortescue Future Industries, an Australia-based multinational firm, to fast-track the development of affordable green fertiliser.

Further, the Google Form lists an 11-step procedure for applying for jobs in Canada, including paying a registration fee of KSh850 to a provided number to qualify.

The mobile money transaction message shows that the registration fee has been sent to Airswift Services.

On 16 May 2023, Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua cautioned Kenyans against falling prey to cons purporting to offer jobs in Canada.

Mutua tweeted: “Please be wary of agencies that say they are recruiting for Canadian firms. We are aware that some Kenyans have been conned by some agencies and you therefore need to be careful so that you are not swindled. I will be providing a list of Canadian Government approved consultants (under the College of Immigration and Citizenship approved consultants.”

Additionally, information on the IRCC website states that people seeking jobs in Canada should consult its website to determine the programmes for which they may be eligible.

The procedure for applying for a work permit in Canada depends on the applicant’s varied circumstances and does not include filling out any Google Form as claimed.

PesaCheck has examined the Google Form with instructions on how to apply for jobs in Canada and found it to be a HOAX.

This post is part of an ongoing series of PesaCheck fact-checks examining content marked as potential misinformation on Facebook and other social media platforms.