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Why Guinea-Bissau halted a controversial hepatitis vaccine trial for babies
Guinea-Bissau has reportedly halted a US-funded trial that planned to compare giving babies the hepatitis B vaccine at birth with giving it at six weeks. The project did not receive the required government approval, according to a researcher involved, after a review and public criticism over delaying a vaccine that the World Health Organization recommends at birth.
The trial was expected to involve about 14,000 babies, with researchers tracking their health for five years; it received $1.6 million from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Guinea-Bissau has a high burden of hepatitis B, and limited vaccine supplies currently mean the government allows vaccination up to six weeks after birth, while aiming to introduce birth doses for all babies from 2028. Experts called withholding the vaccine for research unethical, as infection in infancy can become chronic and cause serious liver disease.
In short
- Guinea-Bissau halted the trial over missing government approval.
- The study planned to involve about 14,000 babies.
- Experts objected to delaying a vaccine recommended at birth.
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The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters of the trial could argue that a carefully monitored comparison would generate evidence about the benefits and risks of birth-dose vaccination in Guinea-Bissau, where local data may help shape policy and make limited supplies go further. They might also say the study offered follow-up care and could inform the planned expansion of vaccination, provided it had proper government approval and meaningful safeguards.
The case against
Opponents could argue that delaying a vaccine recommended at birth exposes babies to a preventable risk of hepatitis B, which can lead to chronic infection and serious liver disease. Given the known risks and the country’s stated aim to provide birth doses, they may see withholding vaccination for research as ethically unacceptable, especially without required government approval.
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