Verdict: False
Claim: In a news article published by the Nation Newspaper online daily on January 9, 2025, it was claimed that healthcare professionals in Malawi have taken unauthorised photographs of sex workers’ intimate areas during treatment, with some of these images reportedly shared on social media platforms (archived here).
According to Thandiwe Kaunda, healthcare professionals frequently reprimand sex workers. When they treat them, they occasionally snap images of their intimate areas. A few of these images have made their way onto social media.
Methodology: This fact-check involved a comprehensive review of academic studies, reports from NGOs, and credible media sources to determine whether any verified documentation or investigative findings substantiate these claims.
Evidence and Analysis: A report from the Southern Africa Litigation Centre quotes Thandiwe Kaunda, a human rights advocate working with sex workers, who alleges that some healthcare professionals have taken photos of sex workers’ private parts during treatment and that some of these photos were shared online.
Despite the seriousness of these allegations, no peer-reviewed academic literature or NGO reports have confirmed specific incidents of unauthorized photography or online dissemination of such images. There are no documented legal or disciplinary proceedings tied to these claims.
Reports such as those from Nyasa Times highlight the hostile environment sex workers face in Malawi, including harassment by both healthcare providers and law enforcement.
Conclusion: False—While anecdotal accounts suggest the possibility of unauthorised photography and social media distribution involving sex workers by healthcare staff in Malawi, no verifiable evidence or documented cases currently support these claims. These allegations remain unconfirmed.
References:
- Southern Africa Litigation Centre – “Hard Knock Life for Sex Workers”
- Nyasa Times – “Malawi sex workers accuse police, health workers of harassment”
- Journal of the International AIDS Society – Stigma Among FSWs in Malawi
This fact-check was produced by Collins Mtika of the Centre for Investigative Journalism Malawi (CIJM) as part of the African Fact-Checking Alliance’s (AFCA) incubation programme. It was produced with peer-mentorship from Code for Africa’s fact-checking initiative, PesaCheck, with financial support from Norway.
AFCA mentorship respects the journalistic independence of the researchers, offering access to advanced techniques and tools. Editorial decision-making remains with the Centre for Investigative Journalism Malawi. Want to learn more? Visit: https://factcheck.africa/
