Focus on Africa Guinea-Bissau suspends US-backed hepatitis vaccine trial
Jan 29, 2026
Ricky Stein, former manager and close friend of Fela Kuti, reflects on Fela's activism and enduring Afrobeat legacy. Dr. Umar Mouhumza, medical doctor and vaccinology expert, analyzes the suspended newborn hepatitis B vaccine trial, covering ethics, trial design, and public health implications. Short, engaging conversations explore trust, timing of doses, and the cultural significance of a Grammy Lifetime Award for Fela.
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Birth Dose Timing Raises Major Risk
- Guinea-Bissau delays the WHO-recommended hepatitis B birth dose until six weeks under current practice. This timing gap creates a high risk of mother-to-child transmission in a country with very high hepatitis B prevalence.
Trial Compares Timing, Not A New Vaccine
- The planned trial would randomize 14,000 infants to birth-dose versus delayed dose to study timing and non-specific effects. Critics fear withholding a birth dose in a high-prevalence setting could increase chronic infections among infants.
Plan A Phased National Rollout
- Guinea-Bissau plans to roll out universal birth-dose hepatitis B vaccination by 2028 with WHO support. Authorities should complete preparation and documentation before nationwide rollout to build trust and ensure safe implementation.