Viral HIV ‘Fake News’ Sparks Panic in Cambodia

In Cambodia, a recent surge in panic and confusion arose from viral ‘fake news’ about HIV, undermining public trust in health information. The misinformation spread through a Facebook post by an account named ‘Hea Ra,’ claiming a drastic increase in HIV/AIDS cases, particularly in Preah Sihanouk and Takeo provinces. The post alleged that 70,000 individuals in these provinces were living with HIV, with 7,000 avoiding treatment, figures that nearly matched the total reported cases for the entire country.

Health officials swiftly debunked these alarming claims, stressing the critical role of accurate information in the fight against HIV/AIDS. The National Center for HIV/AIDS, Dermatology, and STD (NCHADS) and the Takeo provincial Department of Health took a firm stance against the dissemination of this false information, which sowed unnecessary panic among the population.

Despite attempts by the account owner to rectify the misinformation, the damage was already done as the misleading claims continued to circulate on various social media platforms. This incident highlighted the risks associated with the unchecked spread of fake news, which can have dire consequences, as emphasized by Tep Asnarith, a Ministry of Information spokesperson. He warned about the dangers of misinformation eroding public trust and security, emphasizing the need for content creators to adhere to ethical standards on social media platforms.

The impact of fake news extends beyond creating fear and confusion; it also threatens the significant progress Cambodia has made in combating HIV/AIDS. The country had achieved 89% of the global target of 95-95-95 by 2023, indicating that a vast majority of HIV-positive individuals were aware of their status and receiving treatment. However, the spread of misinformation poses a real risk of reversing these achievements and hampering public health efforts.

As of 2023, Cambodia had 76,000 people living with HIV, with around 7,000 unaware of their status and not receiving treatment. New infections in 2023 numbered 12,000, with a significant portion occurring among high-risk groups like sex workers, men who have sex with men, transgender women, and drug users. Efforts to provide care and antiretroviral therapy to those affected are ongoing, with particular attention to tracing and re-engaging individuals who have temporarily left treatment services.

In response to the fake news incident, public health officials stressed the importance of combating disinformation collectively and promoting accurate information in the digital realm. NCHADS urged social media platforms to delete or correct any misleading information and advised the public to verify sources before sharing information. Additionally, individuals, especially those at high risk of HIV infection, were encouraged to prioritize prevention measures to safeguard their health and that of their communities.

To counter the impact of fake news, the Cambodian government and health organizations have intensified awareness campaigns and prevention strategies to empower individuals, particularly those in vulnerable groups, to take charge of their health and access necessary support. By combatting misinformation and promoting accurate health information, Cambodia aims to sustain its progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS and ensure the well-being of its population.