Images depicting children with polio-related disabilities have resurfaced globally. Widely shared social media posts falsely claim that the children’s injuries are the result of polio vaccine experiments on African children funded by billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates. One post falsely claims that Gates, whose foundation funds global polio eradication efforts, is forcing vaccines—for both polio and COVID-19—on children around the world while refusing to vaccinate his own children. Other posts promote the narrative that Gates’ involvement in COVID-19 vaccine development makes the vaccines worthy of distrust.
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The Gates Foundation supports polio eradication efforts worldwide, and there is no evidence that the organization’s work has been connected to polio outbreaks. These fears of international interference and the motivations behind foreign aid are widespread. Continuing to inform the public of donations and transparently reporting on their purpose and results is recommended. Fact Checking Source(s):
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