US Vaccine Study Halted in Africa Over Ethics and Sovereignty Dispute

A major US-funded vaccine study in Guinea-Bissau has been suspended. The decision follows strong objections from the West African nation. The study planned to test a new hepatitis B vaccine schedule. It was to be led by Danish researchers with US backing. US health officials recently stated the study was still active. However, African health leaders announced it was cancelled. Officials in Guinea-Bissau cited ethical concerns and national sovereignty as key reasons for the pause. The controversy grew after the US changed its own recommended vaccine schedule. This raised questions about testing the new approach in one of the world's poorest countries. The dispute highlights ongoing debates about how international medical research is conducted ethically.