Africa has contributed extensively to France in many ways. From Ivory Coast to Cameroon, Africans have supported this European country. Yet, the legendary racism in France continues to scale exponentially. As I was returning with family after Christmas, we had a lay-over in Paris. We went to the lounge and my wife presented our Nigerian passports; quickly, the lady started struggling, bringing all kinds of new rules, etc. But knowing that we were in France, and to save my time and deal with the usual demons, I took the Nigerian passports and dropped the U.S. passports before her, and magically, she started smiling. You know what? She wished she did not have Nigerians right there for no apparent reason!
But this new one has taken the “trade” to a new level – a French researcher thinks that Africans should be the labs upon which vaccines for Covid-19 (i.e. coronavirus) should be tested on. When you hear such nonsensical statements from experts, you begin to doubt what drives this world. That statement has the potency to push many Africans to AVOID any Covid-19 vaccine if the world finally comes out with one.
Dr. Jean Paul Mira and Dr Camille Locht made provocative racist comments in the wake of Covid- 19.
On live television, Jean Paul Mira suggested Africa should be the testing ground for Covid-19 vaccines due to their vulnerabilities.
Jean Paul Mira stated, “If I could be provocative, should we not do this study in Africa where there are no masks, treatment or intensive care, a little bit like it’s done, by the way, for certain AIDS studies or with prostitutes?”
“We try things because we know that they are highly exposed and they don’t protect themselves,” he said.
Camille Locht, the research director from France’s Inserm, responded: “You are right. And by the way, we are in the process of thinking in parallel about a study in Africa ….”
Shame to Dr. Jean Paul Mira.
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Sure – the current leader of France is a good friend to Africa and there are of course great people there. Yet, France and Europe seem exceedingly lost when you see how the demons of racism are still growing from stadiums to college classrooms.
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“When you hear such nonsensical statements from experts, you begin to doubt what drives this world.” Being an expert doesn’t mean you have escaped being dumb, plenty degrees don’t cure it either; only a good dose of wisdom does.
Nobody needs to feel too offended or angry, because if you do, it means that you have been overestimating human wisdom, while underestimating how dumb people can be from time to time.
If you cannot start vaccine testing from the epicentres of the virus, where people are dropping dead in thousands (after all who’s on the ground fears no fall), but rather from continent with least cases, despite being twice the population of Europe, then there’s no need to have a debate.
I do not envy their stupidity anyway.
Dear Prof Ndubuisi,
Duroha is my mate in the NN, and Ovim is my second home.
That being said.
I was a diplomat in PARIS +8 other EU states for more than 4 years and France is not particularly more racist than other EU states.
Of significance to me in this discourse though, is the ongoing evacuation of US, Israel and other foreign citizens to currently high-risky home, from lower risky Abuja/Africa.
What does this signify?
Africa is about to feel the pain of deaths with designed super bugs.
What is happening in Europe and North America is just a rehearsal.
African is the real target of this high level deceptions. We are too blessed to be ignored.
Africa will take a hit in few weeks and we won’t know what befall us.
I completely comprehend their ways, but sadly, in this high level game, am a pessimist.
In the short term, and with the kind of people in government across Africa – (aside my friend Paul Kigame of Rwanda); am unfortunately not very hopeful.
The good news is that, in the longer-term, Africa wins.
Greetings Sir. Thanks for your service. You know out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. This guy would not have said that if he had not thought about it. Our challenge is to be alert. I am extremely worried right now for what is happening in the world.
Just imagine a doctor with such idea, I pity Africans who might have visited his hospital.
It is time for the Nation of Africa to start thinking as one before we sink. Africa has less number of death and cases of Covid-19 compared to other regions and Africa is still considered best for the study.
Mere academic prowess does not transform the mind of a racist. Most of them are mere academic gurus and less enlightened around humanity.
Two professors or researchers didn’t say this rather two fools did.
Good say.
https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2020-04-03/french-doctor-apologises-for-suggesting-covid-19-treatment-be-tested-in-africa
Grown men that lacks wisdom, I used to assume that wisdom comes with age.
However, now I know age/knowledge have nothing to do with wisdom rather is heredity. (Genetics)