Victims of a controversial Pfizer drug trial carried out in 1996 in Kano State are still seeking justice, 29 years after the incident left many of them either dead, permanently disabled, or mentally impaired.
The victims, who were mostly children at the time, were part of a clinical trial for Trovan, an experimental antibiotic by American pharmaceutical giant, Pfizer. The trial was conducted during a meningitis outbreak in Kano and reportedly led to the death of several children and left many others with lifelong disabilities.
“Our lives have never been the same. No amount of money will be able to repair the damage done to us, but at least, we need to survive” said Rukayya Salisu, now 30, who walks with a stick and is barely four feet tall.
Pfizer had claimed that the deaths and disabilities were caused by meningitis, not its drug. However, lawsuits were filed in Nigeria and the United States, alleging that the company conducted the trial illegally without proper consent. In 2009, Pfizer agreed to a $75 million out-of-court settlement with the Kano State Government.
The deal included $35 million for direct compensation to victims, $30 million for healthcare development in Kano, and $10 million for legal fees. However, many victims and their families say they received far less than promised.
“We were told we would get $175,000 each. But in 2013, we received only $7,000 after deductions. We feel cheated,” said Ahmad Mua’zu Lafa, secretary of the Welfare Association of the Less Privileged Victims of Vaccine.
Lafa, whose daughter became deaf and dumb due to the trial, said his group had written several petitions and even reported the matter to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), but no action has been taken.
Permanent Scars
Many of the victims live with painful memories and daily struggles. Asma’u Isma’il Ibrahim, 32, uses leg braces and can’t walk far. She said her husband divorced her because of her condition.
“Only parents can truly endure your suffering. I’m still alive because of mine,” she said.
Another victim, Aisha Sulaimanu, now 30, uses walking support and stopped schooling after secondary level due to poverty. She says she still battles shame and stigma.
“We were told Americans injected us when we were toddlers. That vaccine destroyed my life,” she said.
Nura Mohammad Shehu, 33, is mentally disabled and physically crippled. His father feeds and bathes him daily. “His life has been completely destroyed. We need help,” his father said.
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Families Still Suffer
Malam Adamu Bello’s daughter, Habiba, became deaf and dumb after the trial and is now a widow with four children.
“I’m too old and too poor to take care of them all,” he said.
Muhammad Shehu’s son, also a victim, suffers mental illness and becomes violent.
“I can’t leave him alone for a moment. He can harm himself or others,” he said.
Hajiya Hajara Sule Koki lost one of her sons to the vaccine and now cares for the other in a wheelchair.
“We have nothing left. We are begging the government to help us recover our money,” she pleaded.
Calls for Action
The victims are now appealing to Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to step in and help recover the remaining funds from the settlement. They believe some individuals mismanaged or diverted the money meant for them.
“Our dream was to live normal lives. That dream was taken from us. We just want what was promised” said Abba Ahmad Dan Keta, who is now wheelchair-bound.
They also called for national recognition, including monuments and government support.
“The government must not forget us. We are living proof of what went wrong,” said Nura Musa, a victim who now speaks with difficulty.
Despite the passing years, the victims and their families say they will not give up the fight for justice.
“We haven’t stopped because we haven’t started to stop halfway,” Aisha Sulaimanu said.