Cured by the Classifieds?
Kim Johnson
4 October 2011
An advert in the Sowetan’s Classifieds raises questions around the ethics of publishing content containing misleading and unsubstantiated information which could have negative consequences for people’s health.
Yesterday the paper published an advert in its classified section which contains a prominent advert punting a product which can apparently “treat sexual infection” including the sexually transmitted infection (STI) gonorrhea.
The advert also features a product labeled “Man Sperms Count Booster” and an innocuous looking bottle topped with a bow that promises vaginal tightening.
While most feel that these outrageous ads merit more disbelief than concern, they could actually prove dangerous.
This is not only because they potentially contain harmful unregulated substances but also because of the misleading messages they give out about the nature of STIs and how they can be treated.
According to Avert.org, Gonorrhea can only be cured through a course of antibiotics, which can only be prescribed by a healthcare professional.
In South Africa the treatment can be obtained from a public health facility free of charge whereas ‘treatments’ in the advert will leave your wallet around R600 lighter.
The Sowetan’s indiscriminate publication of exploitative adverts by sundry ‘doctors’ who make outrageous and unsubstantiated claims is disappointing because it could perpetuate misinformation and ignorance around important sexual health issues.
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