A rumor circulating in Bangui claims that COVID-19 vaccines have been suspended in the Central African Republic. According to some health authorities contacted by AFC, this information is entirely fabricated and lacks concrete evidence.
The rumor circulating by word of mouth states: “COVID-19 vaccines are no longer administered; they are suspended in Central Africa.” Be wary of this rumor.
To verify this information and separate fact from fiction, our editorial team reached out to the World Health Organization office in the Central African Republic and the Ministry of Health and Population.
Augustin Dibert, Health Promotion Advisor at the WHO Central African Republic office, clarified that COVID-19 vaccines have not been suspended: “The COVID-19 vaccines are used to protect against severe forms of the virus. There is no official information about a suspension; these are baseless speculations.” He added, “It is important for people to be vaccinated to prevent contracting the disease again.”
Dr. Louis Médard Ouarandji at the Ministry of Public Health and Population also refuted the claim: “False. The Ministry of Health continues the COVID-19 vaccination campaigns. Routine vaccinations are ongoing in the capital and provincial cities.”
Pulchérie Aboriot, a midwife at the Mother and Child Center, also denied the rumor and specified that no official decision has been made regarding a suspension: “No official decision has been taken by the authorities to suspend COVID-19 vaccines in the country. Testing and vaccination are still required for public health, especially for travelers.”
COVID-19 vaccines have not been suspended in the Central African Republic, as they are the only means to combat the virus responsible for COVID-19. It is much safer to get vaccinated than to risk contracting the virus. After verification, the rumor that COVID-19 vaccines have been suspended is false.
By Cynthia Sangbaté / AFC
This article is produced under the AFC-Internews partnership funded by USAID. However, the content is the responsibility of AFC.
If you find any information or images suspicious, contact our editorial team at +236 74 02 15 70 / 75 81 61 38 / 75 38 11 73, or email us at [email protected].
