What are the ethical concerns regarding the Guinea-Bissau hepatitis B vaccine study?

Critics argue it is unethical to randomize infants to a potentially less effective vaccine timing protocol compared to the global standard.

Has the U.S. CDC funded the Guinea-Bissau vaccine study?

Yes, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention awarded a $1.6 million grant to Danish researchers for the study.

What is the status of the hepatitis B vaccine study in Guinea-Bissau?

There are conflicting reports; the Africa CDC claims it's canceled, while the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services says it will proceed.

Home / Health / Guinea-Bissau Vaccine Study Sparks Global Ethics Debate

Guinea-Bissau Vaccine Study Sparks Global Ethics Debate

17 Jan

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Summary

US-funded study on hepatitis B vaccine timing raises ethical concerns.
Critics fear erosion of trust in immunization in Guinea-Bissau.
Study's fate is uncertain amid conflicting reports of cancellation.

Guinea-Bissau Vaccine Study Sparks Global Ethics Debate

A U.S.-funded study in Guinea-Bissau, investigating the health effects of hepatitis B vaccine dose timing on infants, has triggered significant ethical concerns. The $1.6 million grant awarded to Danish researchers by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is under scrutiny for its non-competitive nature.

Critics contend that randomizing infants to an "inferior" treatment, even if aligning with local norms, violates ethical research standards and risks undermining public trust in vaccines. This controversy occurs as the U.S. revises its own childhood immunization schedules, adding complexity to the debate.

The study's status is unclear, with the Africa CDC citing its cancellation due to an undated government document, while the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services maintains it will proceed. Past research by the Bandim Health Project has also faced criticism for methodological flaws.