Call for Action: Ethical global health research in emergencies

Following a two-year international inquiry, the Nuffield Council on Bioethics are calling for research funders, governments, and others involved in health research systems to take a more ethical and collaborative approach to conducting research during emergencies.

This ties in with the publication of Nuffield Council’s ‘Research in global health emergencies’ report which aims to identify ways in which research can be undertaken ethically during emergencies.

The full report outlines 24 recommendations for changes to align the policies and practices of global health emergency research with three core values: fairness, equal respect and helping reduce suffering.

Following a two-year inquiry, the Call for Action highlights the following recommendations:

• More investment in community engagement so that local voices can be heard, and that everyone involved in research in global health emergencies is treated fairly and respectfully.
• Ensuring that, before proceeding with any research project, participants’ basic health needs are being addressed. Funders will need to work in partnerships with humanitarian organisations and health ministries to achieve this.
• Better support for emergency planning, to secure robust health and health research systems – given the vital importance of properly resourced preparedness between emergencies.

We are excited to be supporting the Call for Action alongside the following international research institutions and organisations:

• International Rescue Committee
• The African Academy of Sciences
• Wellcome
• Médecins Sans Frontières UK
• London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine
• Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz)
• Geneva Centre for Education and Research in Humanitarian Action
• University of Oxford, Medical Sciences Division

Find out more about the Nuffield Council on Bioethics’ Call for Action.

Photo: Refugee settlement in Beqaa Valley, Lebanon. Credit: Michael Pluess, Queen Mary University of London