A controversial US-funded study on hepatitis B vaccines among newborns in Guinea-Bissau has been cancelled after widespread criticism over its ethical design. The decision was confirmed by Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, whose senior official Yap Boum said the trial raised serious concerns about withholding a proven, life-saving vaccine in a country with a high burden of hepatitis B.
The $1.6m study, overseen by the US Department of Health and Human Services under Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr, planned to vaccinate only half of participating newborns. Critics argued this would knowingly deny protection to thousands of infants. While US officials said the protocol may be revised, senior figures in Guinea-Bissau confirmed the trial had been halted.
Public health experts welcomed the cancellation, calling it a victory for research ethics and African oversight. Guinea-Bissau will continue its existing vaccination schedule until universal birth-dose coverage is introduced in 2027, when vaccine supply improves.
