Sheffield councillor called out for posting video of Dubai stem-cell autism 'cure'
"Coun Ahmed needs to seriously reconsider his social media usage”
A Sheffield councillor has been criticised for sharing a video promoting the treatment of autism with stem cells.
Mustafa Ahmed, Green Councillor for Burngreave in Sheffield, posted a video to his Facebook page advertising a clinic in Dubai.
The video, downloaded from TikTok, has since removed it from his page, with the councillor saying he never meant to post it.
Stem-cell autism 'cures' have previously been investigated by the Metropolitan Police as "fraud relating to the provision of medical services" which pose "a significant threat to life".
The NHS's autism central webpages note there is a "multi-billion pound global autism 'cure/treatment' industry just waiting to exploit parents".
It highlights that there are "very major risks" associated with stem cell treatments, that there is "no scientific evidence that it is effective," and that stem-cell release "is not authorised by the NHS".
The National Autistic Society notes that autism is genetic and the 'cures' that are promoted can be "harmful or even life threatening".
Minesh Parekh, Labour and Co-operative councillor in Sheffield, raised concerns and said: "It is deeply irresponsible and, frankly, dangerous for an elected councillor to be sharing so-called cures and dodgy interventions.
"Councillors have a responsibility to fact-check information they share, not feed into dangerous conspiracy theories.
"It is extremely worrying to see Councillor Ahmed encouraging 'treatments' that have no scientific basis, are not endorsed by the NHS, and which can pose significant risks to a child's health and wellbeing.
"Coun Ahmed needs to seriously reconsider his social media usage."
Councillor Ahmed said he was just reading about the treatment and hadn't mean to repost the video to his followers.
Then he said what he shared by mistake was a post about diabetes.
In a statement issued to The Star, he said: “I want to make my position absolutely clear. I have not shared any posts on my Facebook recommending stem cell treatment for autism, nor have I recommended or endorsed stem cell treatment for autism. I do not support or recommend it.
“The story appears to have originated from a Labour councillor who has previously made negative comments about me and made allegations against me that I believe are false. This is not the first time I have felt targeted by this councillor.
“My actual work on health has focused on supporting residents with diabetes, an issue affecting many people in Burngreave. I have been working with a local resident and the Chair of the Adults and Health Committee to explore ways to support people with diabetes through more physical activities, including outdoor gym equipment in our parks.
“I have also been researching how walking, exercise and other physical activities can help people manage diabetes and improve their wellbeing. This is the work I have been focusing on.
“I want to be absolutely clear to the people of Sheffield: I have not shared any Facebook posts recommending stem cell treatment for autism. It is important that the facts are established accurately and that no misleading impression is given about my position or my work as a councillor.
“My priority remains supporting all residents of Burngreave and improving their health and wellbeing.”
The Westminster commission on Autism has previously called on social media giants to ban users who promote harmful therapies with no evidential basis.