Story by Lorraine Anyango and Dennise Akinyi

Photos by Ondari Ogega

At Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH), our commitment to advancing healthcare through research goes hand-in-hand with an unwavering dedication to ethical responsibility. We were incredibly proud to recently host a comprehensive research ethics training, expertly led by the National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation (NACOSTI), right here in Kisumu.
This vital training was designed to empower our researchers with the essential knowledge and tools needed to navigate the complex balance between scientific innovation and the paramount importance of protecting human dignity, rights, and freedoms in every research endeavor. It was a powerful gathering of minds, bringing together leading experts to delve into critical historical lessons, robust international guidelines, and the pressing emerging ethical challenges of our time. This initiative deeply reinforces JOOTRH’s steadfast commitment to fostering ethical research that is not only scientifically sound but also profoundly aligned with Kenya’s national values and global standards.
We were honored to learn from insightful presentations by two distinguished experts: Mrs. Teresia Nyawira, the esteemed 2022 Chair of the KEMRI Institutional Scientific and Ethical Review Committee (ISERC), and Dr. Benson Mburu, a renowned authority in research ethics. Mrs. Nyawira eloquently emphasized the crucial need to moderate scientific progress with ethical considerations, quoting, “The wheels of science must go on, yet they must be moderated by ethics,” a powerful statement referencing the Universal Declaration on Human Rights (2005). She meticulously outlined the philosophical foundations of ethics, covering meta-ethics, normative ethics (including consequentialism, deontology, and virtue ethics), and applied ethics.
Dr. Mburu, on his part, provided invaluable insights into ethical considerations specifically within human participant research. He passionately highlighted the absolute necessity of protecting human rights and ensuring the ethical soundness of all research projects. His focus on core principles like autonomy, beneficence, and justice resonated deeply with all attendees. The training also provided critical historical context, exploring pivotal events like the Nuremberg Code, the tragic Tuskegee Syphilis Study, and the Willowbrook Study, drawing vital lessons that inform today’s international guidelines such as the Declaration of Helsinki and the Belmont Report. These guidelines consistently prioritize risk-benefit assessment, informed consent, and the unwavering protection of vulnerable populations, aligning perfectly with the Constitution of Kenya (2010).
Furthermore, Dr. Mburu addressed cutting-edge ethical dilemmas arising from advancements like AI in health data, the handling of leftover diagnostic materials, and the complexities of clinical trials involving foreign-held intellectual property. This forward-looking discussion underscored the need for robust ethical oversight to ensure that scientific progress continues to benefit society while maintaining the highest standards of participant protection.
In conclusion, this training, powered by the expertise of Mrs. Nyawira and Dr. Mburu, firmly underscored the critical role of strong ethical frameworks in all research. Drawing from a rich tapestry of historical lessons, international guidelines, and deep respect for Kenyan constitutional values, JOOTRH remains dedicated to ensuring that all our research protects participant rights and dignity, particularly as we venture into new frontiers like AI and complex clinical trials. We are committed to fostering research that truly aligns with societal benefits while maintaining impeccable ethical integrity.
#JOOTRH #ResearchEthics #NACOSTI #HealthcareInnovation