Guinea-Bissau denies it has approved controversial vaccine trial in newborns
Health minister says government ‘did not authorize’ Danish-led hepatitis B trial in babies backed by RFK Jr
TL;DR
- Guinea-Bissau's Minister of Health denies authorizing a controversial hepatitis B study in newborns.
- The study, supported by Robert F Kennedy Jr, would track 'nonspecific' health outcomes, not vaccine safety or effectiveness.
- Danish research ethics committee members were reportedly informed of an approval, influencing their decision to proceed.
- The health ministry stated they were 'surprised' by media reports of approval and emphasized compliance with national and international ethical principles.
- Experts have condemned the proposed study as 'horribly unethical and cruel' and 'neo-colonialist'.
- The World Health Organization has offered support to Guinea-Bissau for introducing the hepatitis B vaccine at birth for all newborns.
- Funding for the trial was reportedly set aside by the US CDC and private foundations.