The world needs clear rules to ensure research projects are conducted ethically during global health emergencies, experts say today.
Crises such as the Ebola outbreaks have led to the rapid developments of new treatments and vaccines – and the Chinese coronavirus outbreak is likely to stimulate similar research activity.
But today the Nuffield Council on Bioethics joins other international organisations in calling for a "more ethical and collaborative" approach to the conduct of research in emergencies.
Nuffield has spent two years investigating the issues and calls for improved investment in community engagement during crises to ensure "local voices" are heard.
Its proposals require that basic health needs are tackled before research is undertaken.
There should also be improved emergency planning, incorporating the requirements for research projects, it says.
The findings are backed by organisations including Médecins Sans Frontières, the International Rescue Committee and the African Academy of Sciences.
Professor Michael Parker, who led the project, said: "Research undertaken during global health emergencies involves real people, families, and communities. It asks a great deal of them, primarily in the interests of others, at a time of great distress, fear, and vulnerability.
"We are asking anyone involved in planning, funding, and conducting research to bear this at the forefront of their minds throughout all stages of research."
Professor Nelson Torto, from the African Academy, said the report was "timely."
He said: "In Africa, absent or weak research regulations can leave communities vulnerable to exploitation. During an emergency, exploitation can also be easily elevated."
David Miliband, from International Rescue, said: "This report rightly points out that better evidence is needed to tackle global health emergencies. There is no excuse for ducking the challenges involved. And in our drive for this evidence, it is critical that we put the people and communities that we serve at the centre of our work.
"The populations affected by global health emergencies deserve our best efforts to produce evidence that brings real change to their lives and to engage with them with equal respect and fairness."
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