Taking to Facebook Friday, April 3, 2020 “on the issue of new vaccine testing”, the celebrated Professor said stages one and two which are focused on safety, dosage and proof of efficacy should happen around where the product is made before it can then be extended elsewhere.

Hear Professor Cho-Ngwa: “It is not acceptable that a new vaccine or drug is produced in continent X, which has more of the problem and the first stage I clinical trial is done but elsewhere. No, not acceptable!

“Stages I and II trials, which are focused on safety, dosage and proof of efficacy, etc should happen where or around where the product is made. Then the later stage, stage III trial, which is out to test diversity of the efficacy, etc can happen elsewhere, including in Africa, under the strict supervision of local scientists and under strict "informed consent" rules. Anything else will be unethical, illegal and unacceptable.”

Scientist Cho-Ngwa was reacting to a program broadcast on the French channel LCI during which a journalist suggested that the coronavirus vaccine, if found, should first be tested in Africa.

Since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic in France, LCI, the French continuous news channel, has made regular updates on the evolution of the disease in the country, but also in the rest of the world.

In a video that has since gone viral on social media, Professor Jean Paul Mira, director of research at the National Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM) while providing details on the research that is currently being carried out on the BCG tuberculosis vaccine, which, according to certain scientific hypotheses, would boost the immune system and possibly protect against COVID-19, said Africa could be a good destination for the vaccine trials.

Tests have been carried out in the Netherlands, with more or less encouraging results. To further gauge its effectiveness, the LCI reporter who presented the program, suggested that full-scale tests be conducted in Africa.

“Shouldn’t this study be done in Africa where there are no masks, no treatment? A bit like has been done for some studies in AIDS, where in prostitutes we try things because we know they are highly exposed. What do you think?” He asked.

Professor Jean-Paul Mira responded:  “You are right! We are thinking in parallel with a study in Africa precisely, to make this same type of approach with BCG placebo. I think there is a tender going out. That doesn’t prevent us from also thinking about a study in Europe and also in Australia.”