Research and Development during Epidemics and Public Health Emergencies – Africa CDC

The Shift Toward African-Centric Research Ethics

For decades, African scholars have voiced a critical concern: the absence of a cohesive, continent-wide research ethics framework during epidemic emergencies (EE). Historically, research conducted during health crises in Africa has often relied on external guidelines that do not always align with local values or historical contexts.

The emergence of the Africa CDC’s modern ethical framework marks a pivotal trend. We are moving away from a reliance on global standards—such as those from the World Health Organization (2016) or the Nuffield Council on Bioethics (2020)—toward guidance elaborated by Africans, for Africans.

Ending the Era of “Helicopter Research”

A primary goal of this shift is to dismantle the practice of “helicopter research” and “ethics dumping.” This occurs when researchers from high-income countries engage in exploitative or unethical practices in regions where they perceive oversight to be less stringent.

The trend is now shifting toward the C.U.R.E framework, which prioritizes:

• Collaboration: Ensuring true partnership between international and local researchers.
• Responsive Utility: Ensuring research addresses priority problems relevant to the community.
• Responsible Science: Maintaining high ethical standards to prevent harm.
• Empowerment: Giving communities and regions the right to make informed decisions about the research permitted in their areas.

Applying Lessons from Ebola, COVID-19, and Mpox

The trajectory of future public health responses is being shaped by the “hard-earned lessons” of recent crises. From the Ebola outbreaks in 2019 and the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 to the Mpox emergency in 2024, the region is building a reservoir of institutional memory.

In East Africa, for example, health systems are actively applying these lessons to strengthen their responses to current threats. This iterative learning process ensures that the region is better prepared for future epidemics of pandemic potential.

Protecting the Most Vulnerable

Future trends in research and response are placing a sharper focus on specific vulnerabilities. Recent data from mpox outbreaks in Sierra Leone highlights a critical point: children are particularly vulnerable to new strains of the virus and are nearly four times more likely to die from the disease than adults.

This realization is driving a trend toward more nuanced, context-specific ethical guidelines that address the unique risks faced by different demographic groups during an emergency.

The “Ethical Compass”: Solidarity and Social Justice

We are seeing a transition toward an “ethical compass” grounded in salient African values. This approach moves beyond simple compliance and toward a holistic model of community survival and respect.

Future research trends will likely be guided by these three core values:

• Solidarity: Emphasizing altruism, reciprocity, and collective responsibility.
• Friendliness: Focusing on interdependence, interconnection, and the community good.
• Social Justice: Ensuring equitable allocation of resources, hospitality, and moral responsibility.

By setting minimum standards based on these commonly accepted values, the continent aims to limit “divide and research” tactics, ensuring that data—including secondary use of data—remains relevant and ethical over the long term.

For more on how these frameworks are being implemented, you can explore the latest research on Mpox in East Africa or read our guide on pandemic preparedness strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is “ethics dumping”?

Ethics dumping refers to the practice of conducting research in low- or middle-income countries that would be considered unethical or illegal in the researcher’s home country due to less stringent oversight.