Ethical Medical Research: An Imperative for African Countries An Imperative for African Countries

Abstract

The argument of this article is that developing, strengthening, and sustaining comprehensive and ethically sound medical research through prioritisation, local funding and increased investments is imperative for African countries. The basis of this argument is that there are pressing health needs in Africa and a significant gap in medical knowledge necessary for the development of much-needed medical solutions. Thus, the proposed research makes it possible to generate knowledge and other related initiatives necessary for the prevention and cure of diseases as well as for improving human health. Through the same research, medical innovation, drug discovery and testing, and development of medical technologies, new and improved diagnostic and therapeutic interventions can
be systematically and ethically done. Informed by the values enshrined in ubuntu, I propose that the new knowledge obtained from research and other discoveries must be translated into health system improvements, innovations, and development. To make this a reality in Africa, there is a need for breaking the cycle of dependence (which brings complacency and hampers innovation) through ownership and adequate sponsorship of the research agenda. This entails a significant shift from foreign-funded and owned medical research to African-designed, owned, and controlled research which are contextually relevant and informed by local needs.