WHO Director General, Dr. Adhanom Tedros Ghebreyesus, has described as relics of ‘colonial mentality’ the plan by some scientists to conduct trial of COVID-19 vaccine in Africa.
The WHO chief was reacting to what he described as ‘racist remarks’ by two French scientists on the possibility of testing the new COVID-19 vaccine in Africa.
“Africa can not and will not be a testing ground for any vaccine. We will follow all the rules to test any vaccine or therapeutics all over the world using exactly the same rule, whether it’s in Europe, Africa or wherever,” he said.
“We will use the same protocol and if there is a need to be tested and is well to treat human beings the same way equally. The hangover from a colonial mentality has to stop. WHO will not allow this to happen.”
Dr. Tedros said the such a statement was not expected at a time the world needed solidarity, noting that it was appalling that such a statement was still being made in the 21st century.
The head of the UN health agency assured that what the scientists wished for wouldn’t happen in Africa.
