FG inaugurates committee to regulate health research, ethics

The Federal Government has inaugurated the National Health Research Ethic Committee to regulate health research and ensure that it meets all ethical criteria as part of the Ministry of Health’s four point agenda.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony held on Thursday in Abuja, the minister of state for health, Dr Tunji Alausa noted that the establishment of the committee reflects the government unwavering dedication to fostering a healthcare system that is rooted in integrity, transparency and ethical conduct.

Alausa explained that members of the committee are appointed in line with the National Health Act of 2014, which clearly lists out the criteria, roles, and responsibilities of the committee, affirming that, “the ethical dimensions of health research cannot be overstated.

In a statement by the director of information in the ministry, Patricia Deworitshe, the minister reiterated that the National Health Research Ethics Committee would play a crucial role in providing health research direction, while ensuring that responses are rooted in scientific rigor, compassion and a deep sense of social responsibility.

The committee comprises of eminent individuals from diverse backgrounds entrusted with the crucial task of overseeing and guiding ethical practices in Health research across the nation.

Members of the committee include Prof. Richard Adegbola (chairman), Dr. Adedeji Adefuye, Barr. A B Malle, Prof. Ibrahim Abubakar Iliya, Prof. Saleh Garba Ngaski, Dr. Geoffrey Okatubo, Prof. Misbau Rufai, Mrs. Ayodele Rotimi, Prof. Lawa Ahmadu Kuki, Prof. M A Sule, Mr. Ibrahim Muhd Mami, Mr. Ahmadu Adamu, Dr. UAC Okafor and Dr. Amina Ahmad Sheu.

Earlier in a welcome address, the permanent secretary in the ministry, Kachollom Daju, said health research is essential for the advancement of healthcare and the development of new treatment for diseases.

Daju disclosed that many different research studies are ongoing on Nigeria, ranging from socio-behavioural studies to clinical trials at various levels.

She explained that the inauguration of the committee was aimed at providing evidence that may lead to the development of new tools and methods for the control of major diseases, such as malaria and HIV/AIDS vaccine, which are preventable.

She continued, “As we continue to promote health research in order to contribute towards improving the health status of Nigerians, we have taken it upon ourselves to strengthen NHREC to provide for and ensure adherence to a regulation for the protection of human participants in research.”

In his acceptance speech, the chairman of the committee, Professor Richard Adegbola, noted that inauguration of the committee is a testimony to the readiness of the Federal Government to take a giant step in promotion and safeguarding the ethical standard of health research, which, according to him, is a cornerstone for progress and prosperity in the country.

Adegbola assured that the committee would strive to live up to its responsibilities, while ensuring that the industry adheres to ethical standard as legally prescribed.

While expressing his gratitude to Federal Government and the ministry, the chairman, on behalf of the committee members, assured of its determination to maintain unity and a shared commitment to ethical excellence in facilitating impactful health research in the country.