CIOMS cited

The controversy over the use of unethically obtained specimens and data derived from them for research and education is not new to bioethics, but the US Public Health Service project, the Tuskegee Study of Untreated Syphilis (TS), has not been subjected to such scrutiny. A study identified 19 articles published under 13 different journal titles between 1936 and 1973 that detailed the results of TS. Examination of journal records showed that none of the 19 selected publications derived from TS ever received a retraction notice or expression of concern.

Current estimates suggest that Africa contains about 14% of the world’s population and accounts for 20% of the global burden of disease. Yet, it accounts for a mere 3% of clinical trials globally.The time is ripe—even overdue—for determining how best to direct future health research efforts. In response, a call has been heard for a continent-wide Africa-centric research ethics framework to redirect health research in Africa, as well as address the health research ethics malpractices that have violated the rights, dignity and well-being of participating African communities. Nevertheless, we should remain aware of what already exists and what continues to be of value.