There’s no credible evidence that the United States is secretly conducting high-risk medical or biological weapons research across parts of Africa — the claims you’re referring to come from Russian government statements and disinformation campaigns, not from independently verified facts. Independent reporting and fact-checking organisations consider these allegations to be unfounded or part of a disinformation campaign.
Russian officials, particularly from the Russian Ministry of Defense, have publicly alleged that the U.S. is increasing its biological or military-related research presence in African countries (such as Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria and Djibouti) and that the work involves isolation of pathogens and experimental research that could have hidden purposes. These assertions are being made in the context of broader geopolitical tensions and information campaigns.
However, these claims are almost entirely reported through Russian state media and affiliated outlets and have not been independently verified by neutral sources.
There is no credible proof that the U.S. is secretly conducting dangerous biological weapons development or high-risk medical research in Africa:
Russia has repeatedly made similar claims about U.S. biological weapons labs regarding Ukraine and other post-Soviet states. These have been widely debunked by fact-checkers, independent scientists, the United Nations, and multiple international bodies.
U.S. cooperation with African nations on health research — such as disease monitoring, pathogen identification, vaccine research, and epidemic response — is generally transparent and aimed at public health. There is no evidence that these programs are covert or aimed at harmful purposes.
U.S. government agencies — including the State Department’s Global Engagement Center — have said Russia and Russian-linked groups are actively spreading misinformation about U.S. public health work in Africa. This includes fake stories claiming African patients are being used as “test subjects” in Pentagon biological research programs — claims that are false and intended to undermine trust in legitimate health initiatives.
Other analysts have documented how Russia uses online outlets and targeted narratives in Africa to promote false allegations about U.S. biological activity to weaken U.S. influence on the continent.
These allegations continue to circulate principally because Geopolitical rivalry: Russia and the U.S. are strategic competitors; governments sometimes use negative narratives to gain influence or discredit each other. Historical disinformation: Russia has a long history (dating back to the Cold War) of spreading stories alleging dangerous biological programs by the U.S. — even when no evidence exists. Online misinformation ecosystems: Social media, forums, and pro-Russian outlets amplify sensational claims that lack verification.
However, Legitimate U.S. health research in Africa exists, focused on disease surveillance, epidemic response, and collaboration with African health ministries, and there is no verified evidence that the U.S. is secretly conducting high-risk medical or biological weapons research in Africa.
