An emerging and developing region of the world, Africa is often looked at skeptically by the rest of the world due to world news. However, now is the time to sit back and focus on the real facts instead of the world news that only shows you half of the story. Fake news is a very common dilemma in Africa, which has caused trouble for the authorities and the public image of the region.
The most common example of it was seen throughout the pandemic. For two years, the world has been coping with the pandemic and strengthening its end in the battle to override the virus. However, for Africa, the journey has been even tougher due to the fake news.
The pandemic and the fake news
“Great influence in spreading [fake news] also comes from religious leaders who claim vaccinations affect women’s fertility, breastfeeding, and even death,” the WHO’s infodemic manager, Sergio Cecchini, told DW.
Via social media, harmful falsehoods about the virus have been growing throughout Africa, fuelling skepticism about vaccinations supposed to protect patients. Even well-known influencers have been spreading misleading information. According to the WHO, the bulk of false news is generated and circulated in North America, Russia, Australia, and other parts of Europe. They may also access African social media platforms from there.
This indicates how fake news highlights the lack of adaption or myths about the virus circulating most of the time. Still, the vaccine intake for COVID has gone up by 15%. This is something you won’t be informed about in the world news.
Misconceptions in world news about poverty
The same is the case with the poverty levels in Africa. The world News has portrayed an image of utmost poverty and scarcity in Africa. However, that is not the truth. According to data from World Data Lab, around 367 people per day are out of the poverty line threat. While the growth is slow, it is still there and should be highlighted.
The world news’s claim of lack of tech in Africa
Another misconception that the entire globe has regarding Africa is the lack of access to technology. However, it is critical to mention that Africa happens to be one of the regions growing technologically at a rapid pace. Various global technology giants, including Google and Microsoft, are making the billion-dollar worth of investments.
Furthermore, digital literacy is even forecasted to increase in the coming years. Boost in start-up spaces, the huge amount of skilled software engineering talent, and initiatives like Africa Code Week and Women in Tech Africa are further boosting the technological advancement pace of the continent.
Perceived misconceptions about aids
Last up, another creation of the rumors mill, and thanks to the bad portrayal of the region, a majority of individuals come with the perceived notion that a majority in Africa is suffering from aids. Research even highlighted how New York was the region where aids first came into place and then spread to Africa.
Overall, the African continent has been seeing growth in the past couple of years in various domains, which doesn’t get its fair share of attention from the world. It is important to highlight the progress to give the continent the space to grow.