South Africa's health minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, has issued a stern warning over a growing disinformation campaign that uses artificial intelligence to spread false claims about Covid-19 vaccines. The minister described the campaign as 'dangerous and malicious' and said it poses a serious threat to public health.
According to the Department of Health, the campaign is being driven by individuals with commercial interests who are using AI tools to impersonate credible scientists and health experts. The fake content is aimed at promoting unapproved 'natural' remedies marketed as alternatives to vaccination.
The latest victim of the campaign is internationally respected epidemiologist Professor Salim Abdool Karim, as per Smile FM . AI-generated videos circulating online falsely depict Professor Karim warning the public about severe side effects from Covid-19 vaccines. Both Professor Karim and his research organisation, the Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa CAPRISA, have strongly condemned the videos, labelling them as fabricated and misleading.
'This is not only immoral, it's extremely dangerous,' said Minister Motsoaledi. 'These charlatans are selling fake products through mail order under the lie that they can cleanse blood vessels and improve heart function.'
He added that the Department of Health will continue to work with organisations such as CAPRISA to fight misinformation and protect public trust in science-based health interventions. The department has also confirmed that only vaccines approved by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority SAHPRA are safe for use and should be trusted by the public.