Guinea Bissau: Guinea-Bissau Cancels Controversial US-Funded Hepatitis B Vaccine Trial on Newborns

What the report says

Guinea-Bissau has cancelled a proposed hepatitis B vaccine trial involving newborns after international criticism raised ethical concerns, according to AllAfrica. The study was said to be US-funded and connected to the administration of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., whose long-standing skepticism toward vaccines has drawn attention to the project.

The trial reportedly planned to enroll 14,000 babies, with one group receiving the vaccine and another not receiving it. Critics said that approach conflicted with World Health Organization guidance, which recommends hepatitis B vaccination at birth and a follow-up booster. AllAfrica reported that health experts warned the design could expose infants to preventable infection.

The issue is especially sensitive in Guinea-Bissau, where hepatitis B is described as a major public health concern and can be passed from mother to child. The disease has no cure and may lead to serious long-term liver damage or liver cancer. The reporting also said the government had previously barred vaccine trials involving children, and police had seized a batch of vaccines from the research center involved in the controversy.

The cancellation underscores tensions between international research proposals and local oversight in a country facing a high hepatitis B burden. It also reflects wider debate over pediatric research ethics, informed consent, and whether trial designs meet accepted medical standards.