Two Nigerian footballers plying their trade abroad, Olarenwaju Kayode and Aminu Umar have joined other African stars in the Turkish Super Lig to kick against the testing of a vaccine which could be effective in treating Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Africa.
Cochin Hospital Intensive Care Service Chief, Dr. Prof. Jean Paul Mira and Research Director Dr. Camille Locht said in the live broadcast on the LCI channel of France that the BCG vaccine used in the treatment of tuberculosis could be used for patients with coronavirus, making scandalous statements about the trials of the vaccine on Africans.
Gaziantep FK striker Kayode said Africa is not experimental mice.
“Africa is not a laboratory. African people are not experimental mice. Test the vaccines on yourselves,” he said.
In same vein, Rizespor forward Aminu Umar stated that the doctors have been discriminatory and unfair.
“Why? Why are you testing in Africa? This is racism, pure racism. There are more cases in other part of the world than in Africa. There is no logic to test in Africa. Let’s stop this nonsense and racism,” he said.
Rizespor’s Ismael Diomande added: “Africans are not animals. When I heard these people saying that, I guess the mentality of the people has not changed. Africa is not a laboratory, you have to respect Africa, and we are human.”
Tunisian player Montasser Talbi said: “I suffer very heavy and hurtful to react to words.
“This virus can be transmitted to anyone, as we know regardless of religion and race, all people are equal, and every soul is equal in the eyes of God, regardless of religion or race. We have to beat this racism together.”
