Danish University Approves Controversial Hepatitis B Trial in Guinea-Bissau Despite Ethical Protests
The University of Southern Denmark has approved a controversial clinical trial in Guinea-Bissau that will withhold hepatitis B vaccines from half of 14,000 newborns. The study, funded by the US CDC and linked to HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., aims to test potential harms of the birth dose. Critics condemn the design as unethical, arguing it exposes vulnerable infants to preventable disease, while supporters note the country does not yet routinely vaccinate newborns. The trial remains suspended pending final government authorization in Guinea-Bissau.
