A case study of a national ethics committee: challenges in regulating HIV prevention research in Zimbabwe

Me Phiri-Shana,S Ruzario,R Gunda,R Musesengwa,Rb Gutsire-Zinyama

doi:10.1186/1742-4690-9-s2-p232

Abstract

Background As efforts in search of effective HIV prevention strategies intensify, studies have become exceedingly complex, posing several regulatory challenges to most African Ethics Committees, the MRCZ included. Challenges faced include: Researchers not being clear on how to operate in compliance to local and sponsor country regulations; i.e. when a host country ethics committee has issued a decision on an issue concerning rights, safety and well being of participants while an overseas ethics committee has not. Prevention studies require frequent assessment, at MRCZ this has been hampered by limited resources. Ascertaining comprehension of these complex studies by participants and ensuring they receive new information promptly has also been a challenge. MRCZ has taken several measures to address regulatory challenges faced.

Highlights

As efforts in search of effective HIV prevention strategies intensify, studies have become exceedingly complex, posing several regulatory challenges to most African Ethics Committees, the MRCZ included
Challenges faced include: Researchers not being clear on how to operate in compliance to local and sponsor country regulations; i.e. when a host country ethics committee has issued a decision on an issue concerning rights, safety and well being of participants while an overseas ethics committee has not
Prevention studies require frequent assessment, at MRCZ this has been hampered by limited resources

Summary

Introduction

As efforts in search of effective HIV prevention strategies intensify, studies have become exceedingly complex, posing several regulatory challenges to most African Ethics Committees, the MRCZ included. A case study of a national ethics committee: challenges in regulating HIV prevention research in Zimbabwe ME Phiri-Shana*, R Musesengwa, S Ruzario, RB Gutsire-Zinyama, R Gunda From AIDS Vaccine 2012 Boston, MA, USA.

Results

Conclusion