DIDIER DROGBA and Samuel Eto’o are among the African footballers hitting out at two French doctors following a controversial discussion about testing a vaccine for coronavirus on the continent.
The senior medical chiefs were accused of racism after raising a theory about testing one potential vaccine in Africa, parallel to trials in Europe and Australia.
Drogba and Eto’o have worked together a number of times on issues concerning AfricaCredit: AFP – Getty
There is hope the anti-tuberculosis drug BCG might be effective against Covid-19 but experts on a debate for French TV channel LCI were criticised for their use of language about the continent.
Dr Jean-Paul Mira, head of intensive care at Paris’ Cochin hospital, had theorised that tests in Europe might not work due to increased use of personal protection equipment by healthcare workers.
He said: “If I can be provocative, shouldn’t we be doing this study in Africa, where there are no masks, no treatments, no resuscitation?
“A bit like as it is done elsewhere for some studies on Aids. In prostitutes, we try things because we know that they are highly exposed and that they do not protect themselves.”
In response, the head of research at the Inserm health research group, Dr Camille Locht, asserted: “You are right.
He added: “We will seriously think about that.”
OUTCRY
The discussion sparked a furious storm with Dr Mira later apologising for his remarks amid criticism from several figures.
Former Chelsea and Ivory Coast striker Drogba was among them, tweeting: “It is inconceivable that we continue to accept this. Africa is not a laboratory. I strongly condemn these serious, racist and contemptuous remarks.
“Help us save lives in Africa and stop the spread of this virus which is destabilising the whole world, instead of considering us guinea pigs. It is absurd!
“African leaders have a responsibility to protect people from these heinous plots.”
Joining the criticism was fellow former Premier League player Demba Ba.
The striker, 34, wrote online: “Welcome to the west, where white people believe themselves to be so superior that racism and debility become commonplace. TIME TO RISE.”
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Ex-Barcelona and Cameroon hero Samuel Eto’o replied to Ba’s post, denouncing the doctors as: “Sons of b******.”
He added: “You are just s***. Africa isn’t yours to play with.”
Inserm have since described the medical experts’ comments as “erroneous” and Dr Mira has apologised for his “clumsily expressed” statements.
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