The World Health Organization (WHO) condemned a US-funded vaccine trial as "unethical" on Friday, citing concerns over the withholding of a potentially life-saving hepatitis B vaccine from newborns in Guinea-Bissau, Africa. The WHO's formal statement, released after reviewing publicly available information, concluded the trial was inconsistent with established ethical and scientific principles, according to Ars Technica.
The trial, which has drawn widespread criticism from health experts since the US funding was announced in December, involves withholding a safe and effective vaccine from some newborns. The WHO provided a list of reasons why the trial was deemed harmful and of low quality, Ars Technica reported.
Meanwhile, in other international developments, California Governor Gavin Newsom addressed the Munich Security Conference on Saturday, urging European allies to view former President Donald Trump as a temporary figure in American politics. Newsom predicted Trump would face significant losses in the midterm elections and legal challenges, including limitations on his tariff authority, according to Fortune. He emphasized that Trump's political approach does not reflect enduring American values and encouraged European leaders to maintain partnerships with US states like California during this period of instability.
Also, Western officials reported that China increased its support for Russia's war in Ukraine in 2025 and is likely to deepen cooperation with Moscow further this year, casting doubt on European efforts to improve relations with Beijing, Fortune reported. These officials described Beijing as the key facilitator of the war, highlighting the export of dual-use components and critical minerals used in Russian drone production. "Russias war in Ukraine wouldn't be able to continue without ongoing Chinese support," the officials said.
In the realm of US health policy, Jim O'Neill, the US deputy health secretary, stated that vaccine guidelines are still subject to change, according to MIT Technology Review. O'Neill, who oversees a department with a budget exceeding a trillion dollars, signed the decision memorandum on the US's controversial new vaccine schedule.
In other news, Ring, the home security company, ended its deal with Flock Safety after a Super Bowl ad sparked controversy, according to Wired.
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