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U.S.-Funded Hepatitis Vaccine Study in Guinea-Bissau Halted

1/15/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The U.S.-funded study on hepatitis B vaccines for newborns in Guinea-Bissau has been halted due to ethical concerns, confirmed by Yap Boum of Africa CDC.
Critics including infectious disease physician Paul Offit argued the trial would deprive half of the participants of a life-saving vaccine.
The study faced backlash for lacking a placebo and ties to Robert F. Kennedy Jr., prompting calls for ethically conducted research led by African scientists.

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Story summary

The U.S.-funded study on hepatitis B vaccines for newborns in Guinea-Bissau has been halted due to ethical concerns, confirmed by Yap Boum of Africa CDC.
Critics including infectious disease physician Paul Offit argued the trial would deprive half of the participants of a life-saving vaccine.
The study faced backlash for lacking a placebo and ties to Robert F. Kennedy Jr., prompting calls for ethically conducted research led by African scientists.