The controversial US-funded hepatitis B vaccine study in Guinea-Bissau has been cancelled, Africa CDC senior official Yap Boum confirmed. The $1.6 million study, overseen by Robert F Kennedy Jr., faced criticism for withholding proven vaccines from half the newborn participants. Boum said, “The study has been cancelled.” He explained the trial’s design posed “a big challenge” to ethical norms. Despite objections, officials in Guinea-Bissau say the trial may still proceed once redesigned to meet ethical standards. The Africa CDC is supporting the country to ensure future studies follow proper ethics rules. Guinea-Bissau recently underwent political changes, replacing top health officials. Infectious disease expert Paul Offit called the cancellation “extremely heartening,” saying, “You can’t treat children like this.” About 18% of adults and 11% of young children in Guinea-Bissau have hepatitis B, a serious disease causing liver damage. Currently, babies receive the vaccine at six weeks, but from 2027 it will be given at birth. Critics compared the study to the infamous Tuskegee experiment for withholding treatment. The Danish researchers running the trial have also faced scrutiny for not sharing past study results. They claim the trial could provide health benefits beyond hepatitis B protection, but this claim is disputed by other scientists. Some argue vaccine trials in Africa must be led by African experts and meet strict ethical standards. The trial was set to begin on January 5 but has now been halted amid intense debate. Lead researchers denied the ethical claims, calling the reports “totally wrong.” The US Department of Health and Human Services has not commented on the cancellation. This stoppage is seen as a key moment for protecting ethics in vaccine research in Africa.