CAPRISA
By Lerato Mpembe
The Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA) has slammed a deepfake video spreading false claims about COVID-19 vaccines, warning the public to be vigilant against misinformation. In the video, a fabricated version of Professor Salim Abdool Karim, CAPRISA’s Director, appears to claim that the vaccines are harmful and causing fatalities. CAPRISA and Abdool Karim have strongly denied these assertions, reaffirming that COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective. The research centre urges people to verify health information with trusted sources and report fake news immediately, highlighting the growing threat of misinformation as South Africa continues its fight against the pandemic.
The Deepfake Video: A Dangerous Hoax
The misleading deepfake video, circulating on social media and messaging apps, depicts a fake interview between SABC news anchor Oliver Dickson and Professor Salim Abdool Karim. In this fabricated footage, Abdool Karim appears to state that COVID-19 vaccines are causing harm and resulting in deaths—claims that starkly contradict his real position. CAPRISA swiftly responded, declaring, “Abdool Karim refutes in its entirety the contents of this latest fake video.” The centre clarified that neither Abdool Karim nor CAPRISA has ever made negative statements about the vaccines or endorsed any specific medicines.
Deepfake technology, which uses artificial intelligence to create highly realistic but false videos, has become a potent weapon for spreading misinformation. This incident underscores the challenges facing public health efforts in South Africa, where vaccination campaigns have made significant progress—over 60% of the population has received at least one dose by June 2025—but continue to battle vaccine hesitancy, particularly in rural areas.
CAPRISA’s Firm Stance: Vaccines Are Safe
CAPRISA, a globally respected research institution based in Durban, has been a leader in HIV/AIDS and COVID-19 research. Professor Abdool Karim, an internationally acclaimed epidemiologist, has been instrumental in guiding South Africa’s pandemic response. In its statement, CAPRISA reiterated its unwavering support for the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines, stating, “Standing by our commitment to protecting the safety and well-being of the public based on accurate and trusted scientific research.”
The centre emphasized that Abdool Karim has never endorsed any medicines or products, distancing itself from the video’s false narrative. This incident marks a troubling escalation in the spread of misinformation, leveraging advanced technology to target a trusted figure and sow doubt about a critical public health tool.
How to Spot and Stop Misinformation
CAPRISA has issued a clear call to action: verify before you share. The centre advises the public to consult credible sources for health information, including:
- CAPRISA itself
- The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA)
- The Department of Health
- Trusted registered healthcare professionals
To combat misinformation effectively, CAPRISA recommends the following steps: - Verify claims: Cross-check health-related information with official sources before believing or sharing it.
- Report fake news: Use reporting tools on platforms like X, Facebook, and TikTok to flag false content such as deepfakes.
- Delete and don’t spread: If you encounter unverified messages or videos, delete them immediately rather than forwarding them, even to debunk them.
“Should you receive a message of this nature either individually or in a chat group, you are advised to delete it immediately,” CAPRISA urged, adding, “We urge you to make informed health decisions based on trusted and credible scientific evidence.”
The Bigger Picture: Misinformation’s Impact on Public Health
The spread of misinformation about COVID-19 vaccines has been a persistent obstacle throughout the pandemic, fuelling vaccine hesitancy and undermining trust in science. False narratives—ranging from exaggerated side effects to baseless conspiracy theories—have slowed vaccination efforts globally and cost lives. In South Africa, where older adults and rural communities remain particularly vulnerable to such misinformation, incidents like this deepfake video pose a serious threat to ongoing public health initiatives.
Health experts warn that misinformation erodes confidence not only in vaccines but also in healthcare systems as a whole. CAPRISA’s proactive response aims to counter this trend by reinforcing the importance of relying on scientific evidence and credible authorities.
Who Is Professor Salim Abdool Karim?
Professor Salim Abdool Karim is a towering figure in South African science. As CAPRISA’s Director and a former co-chair of the Ministerial Advisory Committee on COVID-19, he has been a trusted voice during the pandemic. His groundbreaking work on HIV/AIDS has earned him international accolades, including the Canada Gairdner Global Health Award. The deepfake video’s targeting of Abdool Karim appears to be a calculated attempt to exploit his credibility and mislead the public.
Founded in 2002, CAPRISA is a pioneer in HIV and TB research, with a strong focus on women’s health and vaccine development. Its contributions have been vital to improving health outcomes in South Africa and beyond.
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