Pfizer compensation in limbo

Silence over compensation for victims: It has been a long, long road for the people of Kano. A people whose suffering has endured for over 12 years finally saw a chink of light in July 2009 when the announcement came through that Pfizer and Kano State government had finally settled the long awaited claims out of court with award of compensation totalling $75 million dollars.


The fanfare with which this was announced by both parties, was gladly received. Governor Shekaru even suggested that each victim would certainly receive $175,000 each for their punishing existence since Pfizer tested their drug; Trovan on the people of Nigeria during the Meningitis crisis that ravaged the country in 1996.


In April 2010, nine whole months on from the settlement being announced, Pfizer re-visited these shores to test the people of Kano again. This time under the pretence of extracting DNA to verify victims claims. Not only subjecting those who had already terrible experiences from these white coats to another round of tests, but also raising hopes and fears over the veracity of DNA, the veracity of individuals claims to compensation and placing further doubt in the minds of eople as to the honesty of Pfizer and their settlement.


It became clear that money was not available to deliver towards the true victims. Questions were asked and no answers were given, aside from vague claims that processing would occur and individuals would receive compensation graded towards their condition, nothing arrived.


And so to this week; Friday saw a press conference by the Trust Fund. Announcements with regards the main story were expected. None were received.


The only announcement that came was in relation to the building of a clinic. A wonderful project for the benefit of the people of Kano; at least on paper, but this is Nigeria and the 2.5 billion naira initial outlay of funds for contracts has funnily enough come at the time of elections, where all are looking for money. There was no word from the Trust Fund in relation to how the contracts were awarded and the usual connections are present within the companies awarded the jobs