Ethics, Human Rights and HIV Vaccine Trials in Low-Income Settings

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Cases

Ethics, Human Rights and HIV Vaccine Trials in Low-Income Settings

What is this about?

In this study, two vignettes are presented to illustrate two core issues in conducting phase III HIV vaccine trials in low-income countries-namely, (1) from the perspective of participants, the extent to which understanding is a prerequisite for consenting to participate in a trial, and (2) from the perspective of trial investigators, whether it is appropriate to persuade eligible people to enrol in a trial, even though their initial reaction is to decline to participate. This is a factual case.

Why is this important?

The massive growth in global health research in past decades has posed many challenges for its effective ethical oversight, not least of which is how best to provide effective protection of research participants. The extent of the HIV epidemic in sub-Saharan Africa in particular makes research into prevention technologies for HIV, including HIV vaccine research, a global priority. However, the need for vaccine research must be considered in conjunction with the individual's right to informed consent, which is based on the principle of respect for autonomy.

For whom is this important?

Researchers

Other information

Where

• Sub Saharan Africa

Virtues & Values

• Respect

Good Practices & Misconduct

• Informed consent
• Vulnerable population

Research Area

• Clinical medicine