AN AFRICAN health expert has strongly condemned comments made by two French professors who suggested that trials to find a coronavirus vaccine should take place in Africa. 

Professor Jean-Paul Mira, head of the intensive care unit at the Cochin Hospital in Paris, and Professor Camille Locht, research director at Inserm were discussing the potential BCG vaccine, which is usually used against tuberculosis, on French television. 

BCG is one of a number of vaccines being considered for potential use against coronavirus. 

A recent study – which has not yet been peer-reviewed – suggested that countries where BCG is administered reported fewer deaths related to COVID-19.

Mira said: “If I can be provocative, shouldn’t we do this study in Africa where there are no masks, no treatment, no resuscitation? The same as for some AIDS studies where prostitutes try things because we know they’re unprotected.”

Mira had earlier questioned whether the study would work as planned on healthcare workers in Europe and Australia because they had access to personal protective equipment to prevent them catching the virus.

Locht replied: “You are right. We are currently thinking in parallel about a study in Africa to make this same type of approach with the BCG.”

Widespread criticism

Their comments received widespread criticism from African celebrities such as  former footballers Didier Drogba and Samul Eto’o.

Now Dr John Nkengasong, Director, of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has added his criticisms.

He said he “strongly condemned the very disgusting comments  made by Professors Jean-Paul Mira and Camille Lotch on French Television on using Africans for testing a tuberculosis vaccine in clinical trials to see if it is protective against COVID-19”.

Nkengasong went on:  “These racist and condescending comments must be condemned by all decent human beings. Indeed, COVID-19 is a global humanitarian crisis that requires global actions and global solidarity.

Scientifically sound trials

Africa CDC will continue to work very closely with the World Health Organization (WHO) to ensure that only ethically and scientifically sound clinical trials for vaccines and therapies will be conducted in Africa, using exactly the same standards and principles as those employed elsewhere in the world. 

“These principles will be guided by respect for the dignity of Africans, the beneficence and non-maleficence, and justice.”

He added: “Professors Mira and Lotch have no lessons to teach Africa on the conduct of scientifically sound clinical trials. Africans have extremely capable world-renowned scientists who have played critical leadership roles in conducting clinical trials that have benefited the continent and beyond.”