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COVID-19 and ethics in action: Insights from African research committees
Journal
Journal of Public Health in Africa
ISSN
2038-9922
Date Issued
2026-02-23
Author(s)
Alemseged Abdissa
Solomon M. Abay
Akililu Alemu Ashuro
Derbew Fikadu Berhe
Tseday Tilahun Degafa
Nchangwi Syntia Munung
Godfrey B. Tangwa
Juntra Karbwang
Yimtubezinash Woldeamanuel
DOI
https://doi.org/10.4102/jphia.v17i1.1540
Abstract
Background: Research ethics committees (RECs) in Africa face challenges, including
inadequate institutional support, low member engagement, and limited ethical review
capacity. The COVID-19 pandemic added another layer of pressure on RECs.
Aim: To delineate the activities of African RECs and pinpoint challenges encountered during
the COVID-19 pandemic.
Setting: The study was conducted across multiple RECs in various African countries.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted across multiple African countries to
provide an overview of the functioning of RECs during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Results: Chairs reported a substantial increase in protocol reviews, from 5860 in 2019 to a
12% (n = 744) increment in 2020. Amid the pandemic, there was a noticeable rise in research
protocol amendments (79%, n = 38) and deviations. The vast majority of RECs (96%, n = 46)
adhered to COVID-19 prevention institutional policies and limited face-to-face meetings.
Challenges encountered in reviewing COVID-19-related proposals were linked to risk
and/or benefit assessments and scientific designs.
Conclusion: The study underscores the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on REC
functioning in Africa, marked by a surge in proposal volumes and the emergence of new
ethical challenges. To address these challenges, there is a pressing need to nurture RECs
in the region through diverse strategies, including capacity-building initiatives such as
the Strategic Initiative for Developing Capacity in Ethical Review (SIDCER) recognition
programme. Additionally, establishing periodic training opportunities through suitable
platforms can further enhance the resilience and effectiveness of RECs.
Contribution: This study contributes to understanding how RECs in African countries adapted
their review processes during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the need for establishing
periodic training opportunities through suitable platforms.
Keywords: research ethics committee; Africa; COVID-19; PABIN; SIDCER.
inadequate institutional support, low member engagement, and limited ethical review
capacity. The COVID-19 pandemic added another layer of pressure on RECs.
Aim: To delineate the activities of African RECs and pinpoint challenges encountered during
the COVID-19 pandemic.
Setting: The study was conducted across multiple RECs in various African countries.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted across multiple African countries to
provide an overview of the functioning of RECs during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Results: Chairs reported a substantial increase in protocol reviews, from 5860 in 2019 to a
12% (n = 744) increment in 2020. Amid the pandemic, there was a noticeable rise in research
protocol amendments (79%, n = 38) and deviations. The vast majority of RECs (96%, n = 46)
adhered to COVID-19 prevention institutional policies and limited face-to-face meetings.
Challenges encountered in reviewing COVID-19-related proposals were linked to risk
and/or benefit assessments and scientific designs.
Conclusion: The study underscores the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on REC
functioning in Africa, marked by a surge in proposal volumes and the emergence of new
ethical challenges. To address these challenges, there is a pressing need to nurture RECs
in the region through diverse strategies, including capacity-building initiatives such as
the Strategic Initiative for Developing Capacity in Ethical Review (SIDCER) recognition
programme. Additionally, establishing periodic training opportunities through suitable
platforms can further enhance the resilience and effectiveness of RECs.
Contribution: This study contributes to understanding how RECs in African countries adapted
their review processes during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the need for establishing
periodic training opportunities through suitable platforms.
Keywords: research ethics committee; Africa; COVID-19; PABIN; SIDCER.
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