Africa: No Evidence Criminals Are Claiming to Test Blood Sugar for Free Only to 'Inject Victims With HIV' - Old Hoax Resurfaces
[Africa Check] IN SHORT: A graphic circulating online in South Africa and Nigeria warns of criminals claiming to test blood sugar for free, only to infect people with HIV instead. But this hoax circulated in the Philippines in 2025, and the country's health department debunked it.
A graphic warning has resurfaced on social media in South Africa and Nigeria, claiming criminals are offering free blood sugar tests to instead inject victims with HIV. The claim has been circulating since 2025 and has been debunked by the Philippines Department of Health, which stated it is a false alarm with no factual basis. The warning has been shared on WhatsApp and Facebook, even in groups with tens of thousands of followers, similar to another warning about criminals posing as South African home affairs officials.
However, there is no evidence that this hoax has occurred in South Africa or Nigeria, and the warning appears to be a zombie claim that spreads fear and panic despite being debunked before.
Written by urgent.news from AllAfrica Health's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
