The head of the World Health Organization (WHO) condemned on Monday in the "strongest possible terms" two French scientists who suggested Africa be used as a testing ground for a vaccine against the novel coronavirus.

Axar.az reports citing Turkish media.

"Africa cannot and will not be a testing ground for any vaccine. We will follow all the rules to test any vaccine or therapeutics all over the world, using exactly the same rule," said Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, an Ethiopian national, referring to comments made last week by the scientists.

Speaking at a WHO video press conference, he said: "Whether it's in Europe, Africa, or wherever, we will use the same protocol."

"And the hangover from a colonial mentality has to stop," said Tedros, adding: "WHO will not allow this to happen."