Nigerian Pfizer victims’ compensation fears

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At least 10 people have been killed after clashes broke out in northern Kenya over control of grazing land and water sources, as the worst drought in 15 years hits eastern Africa. Police and local leaders said that the fighting occured on Saturday on the border between Isiolo and Samburu districts, which has seen similar clashes in the past few years.

Trovan, a Pfizer drug tested on 200 children and intended to treat a deadly regional outbreak of meningitis, killed 11 children and left several more permanently injured in 1996.

In 2009, the US pharmaceutical company agreed to pay $75m to the claimants in compensation.

However, Pfizer introduced DNA testing as part of the process to qualify for the payment.

Many of the victims do not understand what DNA testing is and, fearing it is an attempt by the company to use them in another drug trial, have abandoned their compensation claims.

Al Jazeera’s Yvonne Ndege reports from Kano State, northern Nigeria.

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Nigerian Pfizer victims’ compensation fears