Part 2 of 3: Vaccine Trials in Africa

Coronavirus: Why Africans should take part in vaccine trials

This article discusses the importance of a COVID-19 vaccine trial in various parts of Africa. The author points out the many reasons medical experts depart the continent, as well as the possible factors as to why trials are infrequent. Scientists developing a vaccine for COVID-19 think it is important to conduct trials in Africa, because so many people are without personal protective equipment, access to medical care, and the lifesaving equipment when they can get to a hospital or clinic. Because of the history of colonialism and exploitation, the idea of testing a vaccine on people in Africa was not well received. Add to that what the WHO has dubbed an “Infodemic” spreading misinformation about the pandemic, and you now have a continent of people who are suspicious as to why anyone is trying to help. 

Prior to this course, I don’t know that I would have been able to make deep connections between, colonialism, the slave trade, and a mistrust of the medical community. Now it seems crystal clear. For centuries, Africans were captured, sold and shipped off into the world. 90.2% of slaves landed in Brazil and the Caribbean where they were worked to death for the benefit of white land owners (Strayer, 2016, p.627). After centuries of stealing the opportunity for generational wealth, stunting population growth, and creating socioeconomic problems across the continent of Africa that would create massive physical and mental health issues, it should not be surprising that Africans are distrustful of some French scientists saying vaccine trials need to be ongoing in Africa. 

Of course the importance of trials in Africa makes sense. The health challenges in Africa are far different than those of Europe and North America. Additionally, to date, most biologists and anthropologists believe that man originated in Africa. Taking that into account and the reduced flow of population blending means the genetic makeup of people is very different than on other continents. This could have implications for the effectiveness of a vaccine. A trial might work well in North America but cause complications for people with sickle cell anemia, a common health condition in Africa that evolved as a defense against malaria. 

Does this mean that trials shouldn’t be done in Africa? No! Trials need to be held across the continent. What scientists need to understand is they cannot just speak to the science. They need to have a historical and cultural awareness when of their audience. They need to consider how comments might be received by their audience. Maybe the scientists weren’t prepared to discuss trials in Africa. Their good intentions have created another obstacle in trials. This is why so many organizations employ sociologists. These are professionals who are specifically trained to look at cultural contexts.