The Director of the World Health Organization (WHO) has strongly condemned remarks made by two French doctors, who expressed a desire to begin testing for a COVID-19 vaccine in Africa.

“It was a disgrace, appalling, to hear during the 21st Century, to hear from scientists, that kind of remark.” said Director General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Monday.

His comment comes amid global outrage over the doctor’s statements, which were made during a televised interview last Wednesday. Many have taken to social media using the hashtag #AfricaIsNotALab to share their disapproval.

“We condemn this in the strongest terms possible, and we assure you that this will not happen” Dr Ghebreyesus said.

One of the doctors has since apologized for his remarks.