A viral video featuring Kenyan gynecologist Dr. Wahome Ngare has resurfaced online, making controversial claims about vaccines for tetanus, malaria, and human papillomavirus (HPV). The video, originally recorded during the “African Inter-Parliamentary Conference on Family Values and Sovereignty” in Entebbe, Uganda, in May 2024, has been widely circulated on social media.
The video has been flagged as misinformation by the World Health Organization (WHO) and other health agencies. Despite previous debunking, anti-vaccine groups continue to use it to fuel vaccine hesitancy in Africa. This article will analyze the major claims made by Dr. Ngare and present verified information from credible health organizations.
Dr. Ngare alleged that the tetanus vaccine administered in Africa is a “fertility-regulating vaccine” laced with Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone that supports pregnancy. He claimed that injecting women with this vaccine causes their immune systems to attack hCG, leading to infertility.
WHO and UNICEF have strongly refuted this claim. According to a joint statement from these organizations and the Ugandan Ministry of Health:
- The Tetanus Toxoid (TT) vaccine has been safely administered to women of reproductive age and infants for decades.
- Uganda successfully eliminated neonatal tetanus, a major cause of infant mortality, due to vaccination efforts.
- Claims about hCG contamination originated from unverified samples tested outside proper regulatory channels.
- Independent investigations found no traces of hCG in the vaccines used in Kenya.
Furthermore, the United Nations dismissed similar claims made during the Kenya Catholic Bishops’ Conference in 2014. WHO and UNICEF reaffirm that vaccines undergo rigorous safety and quality checks before distribution.
Dr. Ngare suggested that malaria, a leading cause of death in Africa, can be effectively treated by drinking herbal tea made from the Artemisia plant. He also opposed the introduction of malaria vaccines and the use of genetically modified (GMO) mosquitoes to curb malaria transmission.
WHO does not recommend using Artemisia tea as a standalone malaria treatment. Scientific studies have found that:
- The concentration of artemisinin (the active ingredient) in herbal teas varies significantly, making it ineffective in eliminating all malaria parasites.
- Inadequate treatment with Artemisia could contribute to drug resistance, worsening the fight against malaria.
- Artemisinin-based Combination Therapies (ACTs) remain the globally recommended first-line treatment for malaria.
Additionally, WHO supports malaria vaccines as a critical tool in reducing child mortality in high-transmission areas. The introduction of genetically modified mosquitoes is also part of scientific efforts to reduce malaria-carrying mosquito populations.
Dr. Ngare claimed that the HPV vaccine is unnecessary because the virus is only transmitted during first sexual contact, and most infected women naturally clear the virus without treatment.
WHO and global health bodies emphasize that HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection, linked to cervical cancer, genital warts, and other cancers. Key points refuting Dr. Ngare’s claim:
- The HPV vaccine is recommended for girls aged 9–14 before they become sexually active because it is most effective when given before exposure to the virus.
- HPV infections do not always clear naturally, and persistent infections can lead to cervical cancer, which is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women.
- Extensive research has confirmed that the HPV vaccine does not cause infertility.
Since its introduction in Uganda in 2015, the HPV vaccine has been safely administered to young girls with no reports of serious adverse effects.
Dr. Ngare’s claims in the viral video have been widely debunked by health organizations. Vaccines for tetanus, malaria, and HPV have been scientifically proven to be safe and effective. Misinformation like this contributes to vaccine hesitancy, putting millions at risk of preventable diseases. Public health authorities urge individuals to rely on verified sources, such as WHO and national health ministries, for accurate information about vaccines.
