Reference:
National Health Research Ethics Council. (2015). Ethics in health research: Principles, processes and structures. Pretoria, South Africa: Department of Health.
Summary:
The document outlines the ethical guidelines for health research in South Africa, emphasising the need for ethical scrutiny to protect participants’ rights and welfare. It acknowledges South Africa’s unique health context, which necessitates diverse research due to a high burden of disease. The guidelines, the second edition since the 2004 version, delineate core ethical principles such as respect, beneficence, justice, and scientific integrity that must be adhered to in research involving humans and animals. They also detail processes for ethics review, expectations for Research Ethics Committees (RECs), and the regulatory framework governing health research. Researchers are encouraged to engage with community representatives, ensuring that research is ethically sound and relevant to societal needs. The guidelines are intended for a wide audience, including researchers and policymakers, aiming to enhance dignity and ethical conduct in health research.