1. United States
2. Texas
3. Letter

Why is HHS spending $1.6 million on a vaccine experiment involving 14,000 African newborns, tracking deaths, serious illnesses, neurological development, and differences between boys and girls? Hepatitis B kills approximately 1.1 million people worldwide annually. About 90% of infected newborns develop chronic infections, and an estimated 25% of those chronically infected as infants die prematurely from liver disease or cancer. The WHO has called this proposed study unethical. Guinea-Bissau says it never authorized it. Why are we risking children’s lives to investigate a vaccine with decades of proven protection? Would Americans tolerate this experiment on their newborns? Is this legitimate science, or another attempt to stroke RFK Jr.’s ego and validate his vaccine skepticism? Congress, investigate who authorized this funding, suspend the grant pending independent review, and demand accountability. Children are not experimental subjects for anyone’s personal agenda. —————- Facts About Hepatitis B and Guinea Bissau • Population: Approximately 2.25 million people, predominantly Black African. • Poverty: 39.9% lived on less than $3 per day in 2021, adjusted for purchasing power. • Life expectancy: Approximately 64 years. • Hepatitis B deaths: 1.1 million worldwide in 2024. • Infant infections: Approximately 90% of infants infected with hepatitis B develop chronic infections. • Lifetime mortality: An estimated 15% to 25% of people with chronic hepatitis B die from related complications. • Prevention: Vaccination within 24 hours of birth helps prevent lifelong infection. • Proposed experiment: More than 14,000 newborns, with researchers tracking deaths, severe illnesses, neurological development and differences between sexes. • Federal funding: $1.6 million awarded without competitive bidding.