BCEPS Co-Hosts Event on Ethical Challenges in Research in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

On Tuesday, April 23rd, 2024, BCEPS co-hosted an event with Alrek Helseklynge and the National Research Ethics Committees of Norway, exploring ethical challenges involved in research in low- and middle-income countries. 

Chair of the Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care at the University of Bergen, Bjarne Robberstad, opened the event (see cover photo), followed by a welcome and introduction to the National Committee for Medical and Health Research Ethics (NEM), by NEM leader Kari Agledahl (pictured below).

Welcome and introduction to the National Committee for Medical and Health Research Ethics (NEM), by NEM leader Kari Agledahl

Photo:

Jana Wilbricht

Four BCEPS researchers gave presentations, highlighting different perspectives, geographical locations, and ethical considerations:

• "A glimpse into experienced challenges among our colleagues at IGS conducting research in LMIC" was presented by Ingrid Miljeteig, Professor and Lead Researcher at BCEPS and NEM member (pictured below).

Ingrid Miljeteig, Professor and Lead Researcher at BCEPS and NEM member, presents

Photo:

Jana Wilbricht

• "Conducting a randomized controlled trial on economic support among minors in Zambia: Ethical challenges when intervention research creates suspicion, jealousy, and fear of satanism" was presented by Ingvild Fossgard Sandøy, Professor, CISMAC/BCEPS and Deputy Director of BCEPS (pictured below).

Ingvild Fossgard Sandøy, Professor, CISMAC/BCEPS and Deputy Director or BCEPS, presents

Photo:

Jana Wilbricht

• "Ethics challenges conducting health research in LMICs – examples from India" was presented remotely from India by Tarun Shankar Choudhary, PhD Research Fellow, BCEPS (pictured below).

Tarun Shankar Choudhary, PhD Research Fellow, BCEPS, presents remotely from India

Photo:

Jana Wilbricht

• "Ethics approval and implementation of collaborative research projects in Nepal" was presented by Krishna Aryal, Senior Researcher, BCEPS and former member of the National Research Ethics Committee in Nepal (pictured below).

Krishna Aryal, Senior Researcher, BCEPS and former member of the National Research Ethics Committee in Nepal, presents

Photo:

Jana Wilbricht

We thank all of the presenters and the audience for an engaging and enlightening discussion of these important topics!