Fact Check: No evidence proves palm oil as a ‘simple’ solution to coronavirus; viral post is fake
Post claiming palm oil is a simple solution for coronavirus is fake. There is no evidence to prove this. This has been falsely attributed to WHO.
- By Vishvas News
- Updated: May 10, 2020
A viral message on social media claims that Palm oil can stop the spread of coronavirus. The message further states that experts have advised to drink two spoonful of palm oil every morning to avoid the continuous spread of the virus. The viral message is attributed to World Health Organization (WHO). Vishvas News investigated and found that the viral message is fake. the post is falsely attributed to World Health Organization (WHO).
Claim
The post shared on Facebook reads: #BREAKING SIMPLE SOLUTION TO CORONA VIRUS REVEALED. God is wonderful, as deadly as Corona Virus is, it has been confirmed and tested that Palm oil can stop the spread of the virus. Experts have advised, we drink two spoonful of palm oil every morning to avoid the continuous spread of the virus. Plz help share and spread this important message urgently to your families, friends and love ones. Your message can save millions of lives. WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION (WHO). The archived version of the post can be checked here.
Investigation
Vishvas News investigated and found that the viral post is falsely attributed to World Health Organization (WHO). We spoke to India Spokesperson of WHO. She said: “WHO has not made any such statement. This is falsely attributed to WHO.”
As per World Health Organization (WHO), there are currently no drugs licensed for the treatment or prevention of COVID-19.
As an answer to the question Is there a vaccine, drug or treatment for COVID-19? WHO answers: While some western, traditional or home remedies may provide comfort and alleviate symptoms of mild COVID-19, there are no medicines that have been shown to prevent or cure the disease. WHO does not recommend self-medication with any medicines, including antibiotics, as a prevention or cure for COVID-19. However, there are several ongoing clinical trials of both western and traditional medicines. WHO is coordinating efforts to develop vaccines and medicines to prevent and treat COVID-19 and will continue to provide updated information as soon research results become available.
There is no evidence that palm oil is a ‘simple’ remedy for coronavirus.
The post is shared by multiple users on social media. One of them is Prince Alabi Olagoke, based out of Nigeria.
Disclaimer: The #CoronavirusFacts database records fact-checks published since the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak. The pandemic and its consequences are constantly evolving and data that was accurate weeks or even days ago might have changed. Remember to check the date when the fact-check you are reading was published before sharing it.
Conclusion: Post claiming palm oil is a simple solution for coronavirus is fake. There is no evidence to prove this. This has been falsely attributed to WHO.