DO : Rumors on social networks and reported by the media suggest that there are 2,416 new cases of HIV in Kaolack, causing a wave of panic and stigma.
VERDICT : Fake. The figure of 2416 represents an overall estimate based on the prevalence rate of 0.4% in the region.
TEXT
Between November 24 and 25, 2024, alarming information was given by certain media in Senegal. This information, taken up on social networks, claims that there are 2,416 to 24,360 new cases of HIV in Kaolack, one of the 14 regions of Senegal, located in the center-west of the country and bordering the Gambia.
These figures have created a psychosis, fueling stigmatizing discourse against the region’s inhabitants. The publication below returns to the figures and asks, in Wolof (one of the national languages), the inhabitants of Kaolack to “reconsider their attitude”.
VERIFICATION
The HIV focal point at the regional health directorate, Youndoum Thiaw, actually spoke of 2,416 patients in Kaolack. Mr. Thiaw was quoted in an article by the Senegalese press agency.
We therefore contacted Mr. Youndoum Thiaw, planner and HIV focal point at the Kaolack regional health directorate. He told us that his comments had been misreported. According to him, the 2,416 cases mentioned are not new cases of HIV infection; but an estimate based on the prevalence rate of 0.4% in the Kaolack region.
Youndoum Thiaw specified that this estimate includes different social groups (men, women and children) and covers several areas, including Kaolack-ville, Guinguinéo, Ndofanne and Nioro. This information was initially shared on November 22, 2024, during an awareness caravan attended by health journalists; but some have distorted Mr. Thiaw’s words. In order to clear up any misunderstanding, Youndoum Thiaw shared his presentation with us during this event on November 22, 2024.
Source : presentation November 22, 2024. Author: Youndoum Thiaw, planner and HIV focal point at the Kaolack regional health directorate
The planner and HIV focal point at the Kaolack regional health directorate, Youndoum Thiaw, explained to us that “among these 2416 estimated cases, 92% of people have already been screened, and 2080 are currently being monitored in the region”.
Conclusion
If the figure of 2,416 patients was indeed mentioned by the HIV focal point at the regional health directorate, Youndoum Thiaw; These are not at all new cases recorded in the Kaolack region.
