Why is the US Funding a Questionable Hepatitis B Vaccine Study in Africa?
The US government is planning to invest $1.6 million in a study in Guinea-Bissau, a West African country where nearly one in five adults has hepatitis B. The study aims to assess the safety and effectiveness of giving the hepatitis B vaccine to newborns. However, many researchers are calling the study unethical and risky.
Controversial Researchers and Ethical Concerns
The study will be conducted by a group of Danish researchers who have faced criticism in the past for their work on vaccines. Their previous studies have suggested that vaccines might be harmful, despite other research proving their safety. Now, the US government is funding them to conduct another study, even though the World Health Organization (WHO) already recommends giving the hepatitis B vaccine to all babies at birth.
The study will divide babies into two groups: one receiving the vaccine at birth and the other not. Researchers will then compare the two groups for health outcomes. However, experts warn that withholding a proven safe and effective vaccine is unethical.
Potential Delays and Distrust
Guinea-Bissau has a high hepatitis B infection rate, and many babies currently do not receive the vaccine. The country plans to recommend the vaccine for all newborns by 2027. However, experts fear this study could delay that effort and fuel vaccine distrust.
US Funding Cuts and Global Health Concerns
The US government has also cut funding for other vaccine programs worldwide, raising questions about its commitment to global health. Some experts suspect the US may be using this study to justify funding cuts for other vaccine initiatives.
Study Design and Transparency Issues
The study will be single-blinded, meaning patients won’t know who received the vaccine, but researchers will. This could affect data collection and interpretation. Additionally, the study’s vague endpoints leave results open to manipulation, raising further concerns.
The Stakes
Meanwhile, children in Guinea-Bissau and other countries remain at risk of hepatitis B infection. The US government’s decision to fund this study has sparked questions about its commitment to global health and vaccine safety.
