In an era dominated by social media and artificial intelligence, health misinformation has become increasingly sophisticated, often mixing facts with myths to appear credible. Self-proclaimed alternative medicine practitioners, sensationalist social media pages, and even public figures have contributed to a growing health infodemic that puts lives at risk.

Dubawa, a fact-checking organization, has remained steadfast in its mission to debunk false health claims. In 2025, the organization tackled a wide range of misleading and outright absurd assertions, from viral social media posts to statements made by world leaders.

Misleading HIV/AIDS Statistics in Liberia

A widely circulated claim by a Liberian social media influencer, Bassa Monk, suggested that 24,000 of the 36,000 people living with HIV/AIDS in Liberia were women aged 15–49. Dubawa’s review of the National AIDS Commission of Liberia’s report revealed that the actual number was 21,000 women. The report also noted improvements in testing coverage, contradicting the influencer’s claim.

False Virus Outbreak in China

Another viral post alleged that a new virus outbreak in China originated from a man who consumed bird semen. Dubawa traced the story to a satire page on Instagram, whose satirical nature was only mentioned in its bio. Misleadingly, the post was reshared by a Facebook page called “Tech Times,” which had no connection to the reputable media firm of the same name. This case highlights how misinformation can gain credibility when it appears to come from legitimate sources.

Tylenol and Autism Claims

In September 2025, former U.S. President Donald Trump warned pregnant women against taking Tylenol (paracetamol), claiming it could cause autism in children. Medical experts and international organizations, including WHO, refuted the claim, stating that no conclusive scientific evidence links paracetamol use during pregnancy to Autism Spectrum Disorder. Researchers noted that the causes of autism are complex and multifactorial, involving a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

Misconceptions About Women’s Fertility

Fertility misinformation continues to thrive on social media. Nigerian influencer Ife Agoro advised women to freeze their eggs before age 30, claiming that egg quality begins to decline by 33. Dubawa found this assertion misleading. Experts explained that while fertility gradually declines with age, women under 35 generally have better chances of conception, and older women can still conceive successfully.

Fluoride and Cancer Myths

Religious leader Chris Oyakhilome, president of LoveWorld Incorporated, urged his followers to avoid products containing fluoride, claiming it causes cancer. Dubawa’s research clarified that fluoride is a public health measure used to reduce dental decay. While extremely high levels of fluoride can pose health risks, over-the-counter products like toothpaste and fortified milk contain safe amounts that do not cause cancer.

AI and the Growing Health Infodemic

The rise of artificial intelligence in 2025 has further complicated health misinformation. AI-generated content can lend credibility to false claims, making it harder for the public to distinguish between fact and fiction. Dubawa’s continued efforts show that consistent fact-checking, public education, and media literacy are critical to combating the health infodemic.

Dubawa’s work demonstrates the risks posed by unverified health claims and underscores the need for evidence-based information, especially in an era where misinformation spreads faster and appears more credible than ever.