Ethical issues in biomedical research still exist in many countries (both developed and developing). London (2002) claims that researchers in developed countries have not agreed on the way to define ‘minimal’ risks. Developing countries are often regarded as areas where ethical considerations are rather peculiar and sometimes non-existent due to a variety of reasons that are mainly rooted in social, political, and financial issues. Therefore, when considering the institutions that could ensure ethical conduct in research in developing countries, it is necessary to state that International Research Institutions Review Boards (IRBs) should regulate biomedical and public research as local Ethics Review Committees (ERCs) are incapable of completing this task.
It is possible to consider major factors preventing ERCs from being effective regulatory bodies. The first factor to consider is associated with the focus of the two types of institutions mentioned. London (2002) states that IRBs concentrate on ensuring the rights of the participants as well as methods used and procedures carried out. At the same time, local ERCs tend to focus on written consent. Local ERCs often fail to properly analyze all the aspects of the research or do not pay attention to many details. They are mainly concerned with the correctness of procedures associated with participants’ consent. London (2002) stresses that these agencies are not concerned about the participants’ rights but try to safeguard researchers and organizations implementing research. This approach is harmful to the participants, and it makes local ERCs ineffective.
Another significant issue associated with research ethics in developing countries is the power imbalance. London (2002) emphasizes that the stakeholders involved are often governments, businesses, individuals who have power and money. These stakeholders may have the power to influence ethical committees’ decisions concerning studies. Corruption, economic issues, as well as social and political unrest, often make it possible to neglect ethical issues in research. For instance, Chu, Jayaraman, Kyamanywa, and Ntakiyiruta (2014) note that researchers from many parts of the world come to Africa to conduct various studies due to almost unlimited opportunities it offers. People and resources are often used unsustainably and irresponsibly. People’s basic rights are often violated.
Finally, cultural peculiarities of the region also make local ERCs quite ineffective. Chu et al. (2014) note that values and views, as well as ethical norms, in western and African countries may differ. In many countries, this is also the case. For example, in Asian countries, the public good is more important than personal wellbeing, which makes participants and researchers focused on possible outcomes rather than methods used. More so, the outcome of the research is often evaluated differently by international institutions and organizations located in developing countries. Chu et al. (2014) claim that local ERCs can effectively collaborate with IRBs, which will ensure the compliance with international standards. However, this collaboration can be rather inefficient as IRBs will still have to analyze the details of every research to make sure that local ethical committees’ decisions are relevant.
In conclusion, it is possible to state that IRBs should regulate ethical issues associated with research in developing countries. Local ERCs are often dependent on local authorities or even individuals. More so, due to cultural peculiarities of developing countries, many ethical issues are neglected or regarded as irrelevant. Therefore, international institutions will be more effective in ensuring the rights of people taking part in studies. IRBs are independent of any influence of local authorities, business or people in power and have high ethical standards.
References
Chu, K. M, Jayaraman, S., Kyamanywa, P., & Ntakiyiruta, G. (2014). Building research capacity in Africa: Equity and global health collaborations. PLOS Medicine, 11(3), 1-4.
London, L. (2002). Ethical oversight of public health research: Can rules and IRBs make a difference in developing countries? American Journal of Public Health, 92(7), 1079-1084.