Guinea-Bissau

Guinea-Bissau, a West African nation and one of the world's poorest countries, is currently facing significant political and health-related challenges. The country recently experienced a military coup in late 2025 following a disputed election, leading to the destruction of election results and regional intervention by ECOWAS. Nigeria has granted asylum to a presidential candidate fearing for his safety. Major-General Horta Inta-a was sworn in as the new transitional president. Simultaneously, a US-funded study on hepatitis B vaccines in newborns, proposed for Guinea-Bissau, has been cancelled after sparking controversy and condemnation from researchers and African health leaders. The study, funded under the purview of Robert F Kennedy Jr, a known vaccine skeptic, became a flashpoint. Guinea-Bissau is now preparing for new legislative and presidential elections in December 2026, amidst concerns about political stability and the nation's role as a drug trafficking hub.