African News
Does Nigeria Have the Second-Highest HIV Burden Worldwide?
Social media user @Osi_Suave recently sparked intense debate on X after posting alarming statistics about Nigeria’s HIV crisis. According to his post, Nigeria has the world’s second-heaviest HIV burden, with over 10,000 new pediatric cases annually one of only four countries with such a high rate.
This claim is false.
Despite significant efforts to curb its spread, HIV/AIDS remains a major global health issue, transmitted through bodily fluids such as blood, breast milk, semen, and vaginal secretions. The virus has claimed over 42.3 million lives worldwide, according to the World Health Organization.
Sub-Saharan Africa bears a disproportionate share of the epidemic, accounting for over 70% of global HIV infections. Historically, Nigeria has been at the forefront of this crisis.
In 2015, UNICEF data ranked Nigeria as second in HIV/AIDS burden, and UNAIDS’ 2018 Global AIDS Monitoring report supported this, with an estimated 3.6 million people infected. However, recent data from 2021 and beyond indicates a shift, with Nigeria no longer among the African countries with the highest HIV prevalence.
Current data shows that Eswatini now holds the heaviest HIV burden globally, with nearly a quarter of its adult population affected. Lesotho, Botswana, South Africa, and Zimbabwe also surpass Nigeria in HIV prevalence rates. Statista’s 2024 figures reveal that Eswatini (22.8%), Lesotho (21.9%), and South Africa (13.6%) are now the top countries affected.
In conclusion, Nigeria no longer holds the second-highest HIV burden worldwide—a critical update to consider in ongoing discussions about the epidemic’s impact across Africa.
African News
✴️ Ep.116– Does Viral Video Show a Market Between Congo and Gabon Where Parents Sell Their Children?
A viral video claims to show a “child market” between Congo and Gabon where parents allegedly sell their children. But is this true?
In this episode of WABMA Fake News Debunker (Ep. 116), we carefully examine the footage, verify available evidence, and separate fact from fiction.
🔍 What we investigated:
- The viral video and its visual details
- Reports from credible international media
- Data from global child-protection organizations
- Any evidence of a “child market” in the Congo–Gabon region
❌ Our Verdict: FALSE
There is no verified evidence that such a market exists. The viral video does not prove child trafficking and has been shared without proper context.
⚠️ Why this matters:
Misinformation like this spreads fear, reinforces harmful stereotypes, and distracts from real child protection issues.
🎓 Learn Media & Fact-Checking Skills with WABMA
Become a skilled media professional in just 5 weeks.
📞 +2349025478072
📞 +2349076985638
📞 +2348187269995
🌐 wabma.org
When President Tinubu nominated Professor Joash Amupitan as chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, social media erupted. “He was Tinubu’s lawyer during the 2023 election case!” users claimed, warning that democracy was in danger. But is the outrage based on fact?
Verification:
WABMA reviewed the Certified True Copies of both the Presidential Election Tribunal and Supreme Court judgments from the 2023 election petitions.
Amupitan’s name does not appear among the lawyers listed for Tinubu, Shettima, or the APC. Instead, the records show Professor Taiwo Osipitan (SAN) — a University of Lagos law professor — as one of the legal counsels.
The similarity between the surnames Osipitan and Amupitan seems to have caused the mix-up. No court record, statement, or credible media report links Amupitan to Tinubu’s legal team.
✴️ Ep.116– Does Viral Video Show a Market Between Congo and Gabon Where Parents Sell Their Children?
✴️ Ep.116–WABMA Fake News Debunker;
