Embedded Files
Our goal is to develop recommendations for integrating Responsible Innovation approaches into the ethics review processes for digital technology applications in clinical research within sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Previous work packages have identified gaps in the ethics review processes of National Ethics Committees (NECs) and National Research Authorities (NRAs). We aim to enhance and prioritise the infrastructure for good governance of digital health technologies (DHTs) in our current activities.
These prioritisation activities include conducting virtual and in-person focus groups, consultations, a policy roundtable, and a consensus workshop with research ethics experts, representatives of regulatory bodies, technology developers, and investigators in Africa and the EU.
So far, we have developed and consolidated a methodology during the STRATEGIC General Assembly (GA) held in Cameroon from 8 to 10 April 2025. This includes:
Two online stakeholder consultation meetings were held on 30 July and 4 September 2025
Three virtual focus group discussions (FGDs) were held on 22 October, 3 December 2025, and 26 February 2026
A policy roundtable discussion was held in Mozambique on 10 September 2025
A consensus workshop schedule for 14-15 April 2026 in Yaonde, Cameroon.
The discussions and consultations will cover a range of topics, including the ethical implications of using DHTs in clinical research and trials in SSA, the preparedness of ethics committees to review research protocols involving DHTs, prioritising training needs for Research Ethics Committees (RECs), NRAs, and investigators, stakeholder engagement, and regulatory capacities in the region. Additionally, we will discuss the knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to ethical legal issues in digital health technology, as well as community awareness and perceptions.
All these activities will contribute to the development of actionable policy recommendations for integrating Responsible Innovation approaches into the ethics review processes for digital technology applications in clinical research in sub-Saharan Africa.
Policy roundtable discussion held on the 10th of September in Maputo, Mozambique
Focus group discussion held on the 22nd of October and 3rd of December 2025
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse