WHO Blasts Planned US-Funded Baby Vaccine Trial in Guinea-Bissau as Unethical

The World Health Organization has condemned a planned U.S.-funded vaccine trial in Guinea-Bissau that would give some newborns an established hepatitis B treatment while withholding it from others. The WHO called the study design "unethical," raising serious questions about medical research ethics in developing nations. Critics argue the trial design violates the Helsinki Declaration's protections for vulnerable populations. Supporters say the study could yield important data about optimal vaccination timing. The debate highlights ongoing tensions between scientific advancement and ethical obligations.