A study on a hepatitis B vaccine in Guinea-Bissau has been stopped. This has caused a public argument. Guinea-Bissau's Ministry of Health and the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) disagree. The health minister said the study was paused. This was because of worries about ethics and science.
The study was funded by the US HHS. Danish researchers were managing it. US officials said the study should continue. However, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) supports Guinea-Bissau's choice. The Africa CDC director said countries can control research.
Guinea-Bissau had political problems recently. There was a coup last November. This caused many changes in leadership. The health minister said the study's science was not good enough. Therefore, they stopped it. The Africa CDC will send experts to help review the study. Danish and US health officials are also invited.
This situation shows a big discussion about research ethics. This is especially true in poorer countries. People worry about fairness and clear agreement. The US HHS still wants the study to continue. However, the Africa CDC’s statements are also being looked at.
Stopping the vaccine study shows the link between science and national control. Guinea-Bissau has the final say on this research. The Africa CDC strongly supports this. More talks are expected. Both sides want to agree and ensure good science in the future. This could affect health projects in Africa.