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A controversial trial that will withhold the hepatitis B vaccine from some newborns in Guinea-Bissau has been approved by a Danish ethics committee and local officials. The study, championed by US health secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr, plans to enroll 14,000 infants, a move critics call deeply unethical.
Guinea-Bissau has overwhelmingly approved a new constitution that enhances presidential powers and reduces the size of parliament, according to preliminary results. The move is seen as a step toward stabilizing the country ahead of December elections, though the main opposition party boycotted the vote.
Guinea-Bissau's referendum approved a new constitution that expands presidential authority, despite opposition and civil society boycotts. The military-backed vote, which saw about 70% support and nearly 60% turnout, is set to reduce parliamentary seats and electoral districts.
Guinea-Bissau has begun counting votes from a referendum on a new constitution that could substantially increase presidential powers. The vote, held Sunday, is expected to help stabilize the country after last year's coup and ahead of December elections.
Guinea-Bissau voters will decide on August 30 whether to adopt a new constitution that would significantly expand presidential powers, reduce the size of parliament, and change the electoral system. The referendum takes place nine months after a military coup and ahead of elections scheduled for December 6.
After two public health emergencies in 2022 and 2024 with nearly 190,000 cases across 145 countries, mpox has now appeared in Guinea-Bissau for the first time, raising concerns about severe impacts on children. Disease control measures need to be strengthened, especially in areas with weak health systems.
Guinea-Bissau has recorded 46 suspected mpox cases since declaring an outbreak in July, with children making up more than half of all cases. Health officials warn that weak surveillance systems may allow the virus to spread undetected, putting more children at risk.
