Experts fear ‘unethical’ vaccine trial in Africa is ‘prototype’ for US studies under RFK Jr

The Guardian US News
by Melody Schreiber
March 11, 2026
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2 min read

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Experts worry a controversial vaccine trial in Africa could be a model for US studies under HHS Secretary RFK Jr.

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Experts express concern that a vaccine trial in Guinea-Bissau, involving Danish researchers, may serve as a prototype for future US studies under Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The Guinea-Bissau study, which involved vaccinating only half of newborns against hepatitis B despite an 18% adult prevalence, has been described by some experts as "unethical." Critics question the involvement of these Danish researchers, whose prior work on vaccine effects has faced scrutiny, in US vaccine policy. This development raises questions about the direction of vaccine research and policy under the current administration.

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