The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has confirmed the cancellation of a United States-funded study on hepatitis B vaccines involving newborns in Guinea-Bissau due to ethical concerns.

Yap Boum, deputy incident manager for mpox at Africa CDC, disclosed this during a webinar briefing on Monday.

Mr Boum disclosed that the study did not meet acceptable ethical standards, adding that the Africa CDC supports research that informs public health policy.

He emphasised that all studies conducted on the continent must strictly adhere to internationally recognised ethical principles.

Mr Boum explained that the proposed research design raised serious concerns, particularly the possibility of delaying access to a life-saving hepatitis B vaccine for some newborns.

”The study, reportedly funded by the United States Department of Health and Human Services, was intended to examine the timing of hepatitis B vaccination in infants in Guinea-Bissau.

”However, public health experts and ethicists criticised the proposal, warning that withholding or delaying a proven vaccine in a high-burden setting can expose infants to avoidable health risks.

”Hepatitis B remains a major public health challenge in sub-Saharan Africa, where infection in early life significantly increases the risk of chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, and liver cancer,” he stressed.

He revealed that Guinea-Bissau currently administers the hepatitis B vaccine at six weeks of age due to logistical and supply constraints, though global health guidelines recommend a birth dose to prevent mother-to-child transmission.

The controversy in the United States-funded study stems from public and scientific criticism of the trial’s ethical design, with many experts questioning whether it would meet U.S. standards for research involving infants.

Critics argue that delaying a proven hepatitis B vaccine in African newborns will be unethical, raising concerns about double standards in global health research, potential harm to vulnerable infants, and the reputation of U.S.-funded studies abroad.

These criticisms prompted scrutiny from both U.S. and African health authorities, ultimately contributing to the study’s cancellation.

Meanwhile, public health observers say the cancellation of the study underscores growing scrutiny of externally funded health research in Africa and renewed calls for stronger ethical oversight, local ownership, and accountability in clinical trials conducted on the continent.

(NAN)