FACT CHECK: Can the HPV vaccine kill you?

CLAIM:  HPV vaccine is dangerous leading to infertility and death. HPV and cervical cancer are not significant threats.   FACT: Scientific evidence shows that HPV is a real threat, and the vaccine is safe and effective. It does not lead to infertility or death. All major health organizations recommend HPV vaccine to combat cervical cancers. […]

HPV vaccination

Explainer: Why HPV vaccination is the most effective strategy against cervical cancer

The fourth-most prevalent cancer among women globally, cervical cancer has a notable impact on low- and middle-income countries.  By Florica Brahma There have to be better ways to beat cervical cancer than social media influencers faking their own death in order to spread awareness about the disease. Earlier this month, during the interim budget speech […]

HPV vaccines

Cervical cancer awareness month: HPV vaccines are safe

While India’s Union Health Ministry is yet to take a decision on the roll-out of HPV vaccination against cervical cancer, misleading posts and videos are doing the rounds on social media channels. January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. While India’s Union Health Ministry has said it is yet to take a decision on the roll-out […]

HPV vaccination

Case for more HPV vaccination in India

Free school-based HPV vaccine program was introduced in Australia in 2007 for all girls, and this has resulted in a 92 percent reduction in HPV types responsible for almost 75 percent of cervical cancer Cervical cancer is a preventable disease. It is also curable if detected early and adequately treated. It is the fourth most frequent […]

mystery fever

‘Mystery fever’: Death toll in Gujarat’s Kutch district rises to 16

Tests so far have ruled out diseases such as H1N1, swine flu, Crimean-Congo fever, malaria, and dengue-leaving experts wondering what the new mysterious fever is.    The toll from what is being called a ‘mystery fever,’ affecting seven villages in Lakhpat and Abdasa in Gujarat’s Kutch district, has risen to 16 over the past nine […]

India faces largest Chandipura Virus outbreak in two decades

Between early June to August 15, the Indian health ministry reported 245 encephalitis cases, including 64 confirmed Chandipura virus infections and 82 deaths   India is currently facing the largest outbreak of Chandipura virus (CHPV) infection in two decades, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Between early June and August 15, there have been […]

Chandipura Virus

Explainer: The threat of Chandipura Virus

The viral infection transmitted by sandflies, mosquitoes, and ticks, has been claiming young lives in India lately.  A suspected outbreak of Chandipura Virus (CHPV), a viral infection transmitted by sandflies, mosquitoes, and ticks, has been reported in the Indian state of Gujarat. It is believed to have claimed 15 lives — mostly children — so […]

Malaria vaccine

Malaria vaccine saves two million kids : WHO 2023 Results Report

The WHO’s 2023 Results Report highlights the progress made in global health, particularly the malaria vaccine’s impact, funding strategies, accomplishments, and ongoing challenges in fighting diseases worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) released its 2023 Results Report, marking significant strides in global health advancement. Among the standout achievements is the impact of the RTS,S/AS01 malaria […]

Why health fact-checking is still important

It’s not just COVID — it’s measles, HPV, fake cures and more. Health is wealth, they say. That’s true of individuals and countries. Unless we invest in health care, and strengthen our fight against health misinformation, true progress is impossible. We need to work together and collaborate with experts to make credible, timely, relevant, understandable and actionable health information easily accessible for all.

health misinformation

Lessons in fighting health misinformation from Nigeria

Beyond short-term online campaigns, proactively engage with social media influencers and equip them with the necessary tools and knowledge to counter misinformation.  While measles vaccination has seen success in Nigeria, challenges persist, especially with the introduction of new vaccines. Resistance to these vaccines often arises from misinformation spread on social media platforms. Whether it is […]

malaria vaccines

Explainer: How malaria vaccines can eradicate the disease

There are two malaria vaccines recommended by the WHO, and they act against P. falciparum, the deadliest malaria parasite globally and the most prevalent in Africa. Nearly 249 million cases of malaria and 6,08,000 malaria-related deaths were recorded globally in 2022. The World Health Organization (WHO) African Region continues to bear the brunt of the […]

The Mercury Project: Call for proposals

The Social Science Research Council announces USD $2 million grant for projects designed to increase demand for childhood vaccines, HPV, polio, measles, and COVID-19 in low- and lower-middle income countries.