Chris Oji, Enugu
THE Academic Staff Union of Research Institutions (ASURI) on Tuesday slammed the French doctors who proposed that Africa should be a testing ground for “untested” COVID-19 vaccine.
A statement by ASURI’s Secretary General, Dr. Theophilus Ndubuaku, said there were more worst-hit continents than Africa.
“If there is anywhere these vaccines should be tested, charity should begin at home.
“We join our voices with African football stars of Samuel Eto’o and Didier Drogba in condemnation of the racist vituperations of certain French doctors who have proposed that Africa becomes a testing ground for “untested” COVID-19 vaccine.
“The World Health Organisation (WHO) has reiterated the point that Africa would not be a testing ground for some ‘racist doctors’ vaccine’ from France.”
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While commending the governments for efforts to contain the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, ASURI said the healthcare system should be strengthened.
It asked the Federal Government to revisit the National Research and Innovation Council Bill, which it said would give Nigeria “a Nigerian solution to Nigerian problems”.
“This would create the skeleton, flesh and muscle for research, innovation and development. It would also provide a quick-fix to national challenges such as the coronavirus pandemic, Boko Haram, kidnapping, banditry and poverty, among others,” it said.
The body of researchers also praised the doctors, nurses, government officials and law enforcement agencies who had consistently put their lives on the line to make “us safe and free against this pandemic.
“We appreciate all law-abiding Nigerians who have obeyed lockdown regulations in order to break the spread of the virus,” ASURI added.
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