Guinea-Bissau Police Seize Hepatitis B Vaccines From RFK Jr. Allies

Authorities raided the Bandim Health Project offices in Bissau, confiscating doses intended for a controversial newborn trial linked to US funding.

Threat Times Systems DeskOctober 20, 20262 min read

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Illustration: A row of unmarked medicine vials sits on a sterile metal table inside a raided office. — AI-generated illustration: Threat Times

Key points

Guinea-Bissau judicial police seized hepatitis B vaccine doses during a raid on Monday.
The Bandim Health Project researchers received a $1.6 million CDC grant under Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
International health experts labeled the proposed trial unethical due to risks to newborns.

Guinea-Bissau judicial police raided the offices of the Bandim Health Project in Bissau on Monday. Officers seized a batch of hepatitis B vaccines that were intended for use in a clinical trial involving newborn children in the country.

The search operation targeted Danish researchers Peter Aaby and Christine Stabell Benn. According to a Facebook post translated from Portuguese, the police executed the search as part of an investigation into the researchers' activities. The seized materials were specifically linked to the planned vaccination study.

Controversial Funding and Ethics

The trial drew international attention after the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention awarded the researchers an unsolicited $1.6 million grant. This funding decision occurred in December under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Critics and health experts have described the trial design as unethical.

Aaby and Stabell Benn are known for claiming that vaccines cause overlooked harms. They have faced scrutiny from Danish authorities for alleged scientific misconduct. Kennedy has repeatedly praised their work, despite the controversy surrounding their research methods and conclusions.

Government Stance and Trial Status

Plans for the trial were halted in January following widespread condemnation of its design. The study would have potentially exposed thousands of newborns to hepatitis B. This exposure carries risks of lifelong infection, liver cirrhosis, cancer, and premature death.

Guinea-Bissau officials have not authorized the trial to proceed. Health Minister Quinhin Nantote confirmed last week that the government had not yet approved the research. He stated that any human research must comply with national legislation and international ethical principles.

Nantote dismissed reports suggesting the trial would move forward as untrue, according to The Guardian. He emphasized the need for competent evaluation and approval mechanisms before any such initiative could begin. A Rolling Stone story earlier this month claimed the CDC had set aside another $1.6 million for the project.

What should you do?

Security and technology professionals should monitor official channels for updates on public health data integrity. Verify the source of any claims regarding government health initiatives. Watch for misinformation campaigns that may exploit controversial scientific studies to undermine trust in public health institutions.

What to do and how to stay safe: Bandim Health Project

Verify the status of public health trials through official government health ministry announcements.
Monitor official CDC channels for confirmed funding decisions and retractions.
Check reputable news outlets for verified updates on international research ethics investigations.
Review organizational policies on engaging with controversial scientific research or funding.

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