Short course in Ethical Issues in African Health Research
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
28 February 1 March, 2008
INTRODUCTION:
The Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS) through its MUHAS-Harvard Public Health Informatics Training Program will organize a three-day workshop on Ethical Issues in African Health Research from the 28th February to 1st March, 2008. The course will be conducted at the MUCHS campus in Dar es Salaam.
GOAL
The goal of this 3-day course is to provide participants with knowledge and current issues on health research ethics, As more research is conducted in Africa, ethical issues that reflect differences in cultures, politics, wealth, standards of care, individual and group rights, and priorities are surfacing with increasing frequency. The present ethical codes are not always sufficient for the broad new set of problems faced by funding Agencies of international health research, members of Ethical Review Boards, government agencies, and researchers themselves. This workshop will attempt to address current issues, anticipate potential future problems, and facilitate productive communication. Participants have an opportunity to compare experiences, receive expert advice, and voice their concerns in three days of lectures, case studies, and panel discussions. Recognizing that current guidelines are both subject to interpretation and likely to create conflict, the workshop encourages candidates comments, questions, and open critique of available materials.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
Ethical Issues in African Health Research is intended for individuals involved in all areas of health research, including medicine, anthropology, epidemiology, education, journalism, political science and law; government, foundations, and industry officials with funding responsibilities; and members of institutional and governmental review boards. Research investigators, university academic staff, Postgraduate-students and health program managers will find the course invaluable in helping to guide current and further research to comply with the best ethical standards.
ELIGIBILITY
The course is open to health or public health related researchers and health program managers from Tanzania and other countries with health ethics capacity needs. Applicants should have some research experience including having been involved in health-related studies. Previous involvement in institutional review boards will be an added advantage. Priority will be given to candidates from universities. Both academic staff and Postgraduate students, research institutions, ministry of health departments, and health-related NGOs as well as private health institutions.
COURSE OUTLINE
The course will cover the following topics:
1. Historical Perspectives and Principles of Research Ethics
2. Guidelines and Declarations
3. Informed Consent
4. Ethical Issues in International Health
5. Standard of Care
6. Clinical Trials in Africa
7. Ethics and the Individual Investigator
8. Conflict of Interest
9. Responsibility to the Community
10. Privacy and Confidentiality
11. Ethical Review Boards
CERTIFICATES
Certificates will be awarded on satisfactory completion of the course which involves active participation in at least 75% of the course sessions.
VENUE
The course will be held at the Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences in the designated conference hall of the, Centre for Social Science and Medicine Program of the University of Dar es Salaam. The hall is adjacent to the office of the MUHAS-Harvard Informatics Program.
COURSE FEES
$250 Tuition
MEALS & ACCOMODATION
Break time refreshments and lunches will be provided. Accommodation will be arranged on behalf of participants outside Dar es Salaam if required but they will have to settle the hotel bills on their own. Participants from the Dar es Salaam area will not be required to stay in hotels provided they can reach the venue in a timely manner for sessions.
SPONSORSHIP TO THE COURSE
Participants are expected to support themselves either directly or through sponsorship by their own institutions or funding agencies. Partial or full sponsorship is available for Principle Investigators of MUHAS research studies and MUHAS ethical review board members, as well as applicants who are closely affiliated to MUHAS and its partners.
TRAVEL COSTS
Travel costs to and from Dar es Salaam and daily transportation to the course venue are not part of the course fees. Applicants should look for additional funds to cover these expenses.
CORE FACULTY
The workshops core facilitators are as shown below. However, additional facilitators will be deployed as necessary. Richard A. Cash, MD, MPH, Director, Program on Ethical Issues in International Health Research Senior Lecturer, Department of Population and International Health, Harvard School of Public Health Zul Premji, MD, PhD, Professor and Medical Head, Department of Parasitology and Entomology, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences.
APPLICATION PROCEDURES
To apply for the course, send a letter of intent and enclose copies of updated CV, educational diplomas or degree certificates and other relevant documents by post or e-mail to the Informatics Training Project Coordinator.
The letter should indicate your qualifications, current position, and how this course will facilitate your work. Please also indicate your previous involvement in research or in ethical review boards. Candidates must also indicate potential sources of funds to attend the workshop. Remember to include your email address and other contact information with your application. The above information will be used to shortlist candidates who will subsequently be informed after 15th February, 2008.
Applications are due by: 15th February, 2008 and those received after that date will not be processed.
ENQUIRIES
To obtain additional information on the short course or other training opportunities please contact:
Informatics Training Project Coordinator,
MUHAS-Harvard Informatics Training Project
P.O.Box 65015, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Email: mailto:informatics@muchs.ac.tz;
mailto:informatics@yahoo.com
Landline: +255 022 2152957 Mobile: +255 754-299675
Fax: +255 022 2152957
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Elly Nelson
mailto:informatics@muchs.ac.tz