Rachel V Thomas

Health and Me

RFK Jr-Backed Hep B Researchers Face Police Raid in Guinea-Bissau: Why the Newborn Vaccine Trial Is Controversial

Police in Guinea-Bissau raided the <span>Bandim Health Project</span> on Monday, October 19, and seized a batch of hepatitis B vaccines intended for a controversial trial involving 14,000 newborns, according to an official statement.

The project’s Danish researchers, <span>Peter Aaby</span> and Christine Stabell Benn, are at the center of the dispute. The study received $1.6 million from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), matched by the Pershing Square Foundation and the Bluebell Foundation, bringing total funding to $3.2 million. US Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. <span>Kennedy</span> Jr. has praised the researchers’ work.

The police search took place on Monday, involving “investigative procedures aimed at clarifying the circumstances related to the said batch of vaccines”, according to the social media post, which was translated from Portuguese. The announcement noted that seizing the immunizations did not point to “irregularities in the quality, safety, or effectiveness of the vaccines”, The Guardian reported.

<h2>Why Is the <span rel="noindex">Hepatitis B Vaccine Trial</span> Controversial? </h2>

The proposed trial would randomly divide 14,000 newborns into two groups: one would receive the <span>hepatitis B vaccine</span> at birth, while the other would receive it six weeks later.

The WHO recommends hepatitis B vaccination within 24 hours of birth to prevent mother-to-child transmission.

<h2>Why Is Delaying Vaccination a Concern? </h2>

<strong>Also read: </strong><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/hepatitis-b-infections-could-rise-83-if-us-changes-newborn-vaccine-policy-study-article-156375523" data-type="tilCustomLink">Hepatitis B Infections Could Rise 83% If US Changes Newborn Vaccine Policy: Study</a>

<a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/hepatitis" data-type="tilCustomLink">Hepatitis </a> B is highly endemic in Guinea-Bissau, affecting more than 12% of adults. Infants infected at birth have about a 90% chance of developing chronic infection, which can lead to cirrhosis, liver failure and liver cancer.

Stig Børsen Hansen, a member of the University of Southern Denmark’s ethics committee, resigned after the committee narrowly approved the updated protocol. He warned that the trial would expose some newborns to potentially serious infections by delaying vaccination.

<h2>What Is the Study Investigating? </h2>

Rather than testing the vaccine’s established efficacy, the study aims to investigate the proposed “non-specific effects” of vaccines — potential health effects beyond protection against targeted infections.

Critics argue that delaying a recommended birth dose to investigate these hypotheses exposes newborns to avoidable risks. Former Guinea-Bissau Health Minister Magda Robalo and other critics have also raised concerns about conducting such research in a vulnerable population.

Why Can You Still Get COVID After Vaccination? Ex-CDC Vaccine Advisor Explains

The Bandim Health Project published an approval letter from Guinea-Bissau’s national ethics committee, dated July 14. A Danish research ethics committee also approved the study earlier this month.

However, transitional government Health Minister Quinhin Nantote disputed reports that the trial would proceed, telling The Guardian: “This is not even remotely true.”

WHO spokesperson Tarik Jašarević said a study denying newborns the vaccine would be “unethical” and expose them to “serious and potentially irreversible harm.” The WHO is advising Guinea-Bissau’s Ministry of Health on introducing the vaccine and assessing the study’s potential impact.

<h2>Why Is RFK Jr. Backing the Researchers?</h2>

Anthropologist Peter Aaby founded the Bandim Health Project in 1978. It is now co-led by his wife, epidemiologist Christine Stabell Benn.

Kennedy has called the pair “the deities of vaccine research” at an anti-vaccine conference and cited their research on the diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP) vaccine. A subsequent study by the researchers produced different results.

Kennedy also called Aaby a “very famous” researcher on Joe Rogan’s podcast in 2023 and cited his work when he halted US funding to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.

Stabell Benn served on the hepatitis B working group of the US Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and presented evidence before the committee voted to end the universal hepatitis B birth-dose recommendation. A federal judge subsequently stayed the decision.

Health Conditions A-Z

health

rfk-jr-backed-hep-b-researchers-face-police-raid-in-guinea-bissau-why-the-newborn-vaccine-trial-is-controversial

Guinea Bissau vaccine trial

kennedy

Bandim Health Project

hepatitis B vaccine trial on African newborns

hepatitis b vaccine

hepatitis b vaccine trial

peter aaby

propranolol-for-anxiety-why-experts-are-concerned-about-the-viral-panic-pill

Propranolol For Anxiety: Why Experts Are Concerned About The Viral 'Panic Pill'

delhi-air-pollution-experts-explain-why-you-feel-unusually-tired-when-aqi-rises

Delhi Air Pollution: Experts Explain Why You Feel Unusually Tired When AQI Rises

Health News

8 Sit-Up Variations to Strengthen Your Core and Build Stability

Benefits Of Ayurvedic Health Supplement Ashwagandha

9 Anti-Inflammatory Breakfast Options You Should Try

5 Foods You Should Avoid For PCOS, Says Gynecologist

Love Sitting With Your Legs Crossed? Here’s You Should Avoid It

6 Daily Foods That Are Secretly Increasing Your Calories

9 Brain Boosters You Should Do Everyday

Hip Exercises That Will Keep You Flexible As You Age

9 Leg Exercises Office Workers’ Should Do At Home

Benefits of Having Herbal Tea Every Morning

9 Daily Habits That Boost Your Brain Power

Lower-Body Exercises That Are Game-Changers

How Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar Helps You

Aging Myths You Should Never Believe

Superfoods That Support Your Gut Health

What Happens To Your Body When You Eat Instant Noodles Every Day?

Health Issues Premature Babies Often Face

Exercises Office Workers Should Do For Their Heart Health

Reasons Why You Should Add Raw Turmeric To Your Diet

Benefits Of Drinking Milk At Night: Why You Should Do It

Food That Provides Vitamin B12 Naturally In Your Diet

Surprising Health Benefits Of Fenugreek Seeds

9 Superfoods You Should Eat For Your Brain Health

What Does Mental Health Support Look Like At Work?

Long Stretches You Should Do To Unwind From Your Day

Colon Cancer In Young Adults: Early Symptoms You Should Know

Health Benefits Of Eating Dry Fruits Everyday

Are You At Risk For Fried Rice Syndrome?

These Tests Reveal How Well You Are Aging

Lower-Back Exercises You Should Do After A Long-Day's Work

Children’s Diet – What Kids Need To Eat For Immunity Building

Common Diabetes Myths That Could Hurt Your Health

Love Spicy Food? Here’s How It Affects Your Health

Superfood List: Veggies And Fruits You Must Have For Immunity

Foods People With IBS Should Avoid

Exercises To Improve Digestion

Easy Work Lunches You Can Make In The Morning

Hunger Vs Craving: Difference Explained In 60 seconds

These Things Can Cause Your Heart To Age Faster

High Carb Foods That Are Actually Healthy

Police in Guinea-Bissau raided the Bandim Health Project on Monday, October 19, and seized a batch of hepatitis B vaccines intended for a controversial trial involving 14,000 newborns, according to an official statement. The project’s Danish researchers, Peter Aaby and Christine Stabell Benn, are at the center of the dispute. The study received $1.6 million from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), matched by the Pershing Square Foundation and the Bluebell Foundation, bringing total funding to $3.2 million. US Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has praised the researchers’ work. The police search took place on Monday, involving “investigative procedures aimed at clarifying the circumstances related to the said batch of vaccines”, according to the social media post, which was translated from Portuguese. The announcement noted that seizing the immunizations did not point to “irregularities in the quality, safety, or effectiveness of the vaccines”, The Guardian reported. Why Is the Hepatitis B Vaccine Trial Controversial? The proposed trial would randomly divide 14,000 newborns into two groups: one would receive the hepatitis B vaccine at birth, while the other would receive it six weeks later. The WHO recommends hepatitis B vaccination within 24 hours of birth to prevent mother-to-child transmission. Why Is Delaying Vaccination a Concern? Also read: Hepatitis B Infections Could Rise 83% If US Changes Newborn Vaccine Policy: StudyHepatitis  B is highly endemic in Guinea-Bissau, affecting more than 12% of adults. Infants infected at birth have about a 90% chance of developing chronic infection, which can lead to cirrhosis, liver failure and liver cancer. Stig Børsen Hansen, a member of the University of Southern Denmark’s ethics committee, resigned after the committee narrowly approved the updated protocol. He warned that the trial would expose some newborns to potentially serious infections by delaying vaccination. What Is the Study Investigating? Rather than testing the vaccine’s established efficacy, the study aims to investigate the proposed “non-specific effects” of vaccines — potential health effects beyond protection against targeted infections. Critics argue that delaying a recommended birth dose to investigate these hypotheses exposes newborns to avoidable risks. Former Guinea-Bissau Health Minister Magda Robalo and other critics have also raised concerns about conducting such research in a vulnerable population. What Have Authorities Said?    The Bandim Health Project published an approval letter from Guinea-Bissau’s national ethics committee, dated July 14. A Danish research ethics committee also approved the study earlier this month. However, transitional government Health Minister Quinhin Nantote disputed reports that the trial would proceed, telling The Guardian: “This is not even remotely true.” WHO spokesperson Tarik Jašarević said a study denying newborns the vaccine would be “unethical” and expose them to “serious and potentially irreversible harm.” The WHO is advising Guinea-Bissau’s Ministry of Health on introducing the vaccine and assessing the study’s potential impact. Why Is RFK Jr. Backing the Researchers?Anthropologist Peter Aaby founded the Bandim Health Project in 1978. It is now co-led by his wife, epidemiologist Christine Stabell Benn. Kennedy has called the pair “the deities of vaccine research” at an anti-vaccine conference and cited their research on the diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP) vaccine. A subsequent study by the researchers produced different results. Kennedy also called Aaby a “very famous” researcher on Joe Rogan’s podcast in 2023 and cited his work when he halted US funding to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. Stabell Benn served on the hepatitis B working group of the US Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and presented evidence before the committee voted to end the universal hepatitis B birth-dose recommendation. A federal judge subsequently stayed the decision.

rfk jr-backed hep b researchers face police raid in guinea-bissau: why the newborn vaccine trial is controversial

About Us

Contact Us

Terms & Conditions

Privacy Policy

Company

Health and Me is a premium website with content written and curated to function as a handbook for all Health concerns.

RFK Jr-Backed Hep B Researchers Face Police Raid in Guinea-Bissau: Why the Newborn Vaccine Trial Is Controversial

Propranolol For Anxiety: Why Experts Are Concerned About The Viral 'Panic Pill'

Times Network India Health Summit & Awards 2026 To Focus On Innovation, Access & Self-Reliance In Healthcare

Jalen Hurts’ Blood Clots: How A Leg Clot Can Travel To The Lungs

Health Conditions A-Z

Propranolol For Anxiety: Why Experts Are Concerned About The Viral 'Panic Pill'

RFK Jr-Backed Hep B Researchers Face Police Raid in Guinea-Bissau: Why the Newborn Vaccine Trial Is Controversial

Delhi Air Pollution: Experts Explain Why You Feel Unusually Tired When AQI Rises