Research bioethics training in Bangladesh.

Area of Science:

• Medical Research Ethics
• Health Research Capacity Building
• Bioethics Education

Background:

• The Bangladesh Medical Research Council (BMRC) initiated a 4-year training program in 2002.
• The program is supported by the Fogarty International Center of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), USA.
• The primary objective is to enhance ethical standards in health research within Bangladesh.

Purpose of the Study:

• To strengthen the capacity of health research professionals in Bangladesh.
• To improve the ethical implementation of health research.
• To disseminate knowledge and best practices in research bioethics.

Main Methods:

• Curriculum development through workshops, focus groups, and consultations (2002-2003).
• Annual delivery of Certificate Courses on Research Bioethics (CCRB) for 40 participants.
• Annual delivery of Advance Course on Research Bioethics (ACRB) for 10 participants, targeting Ethics Review Committee members.

Main Results:

• A comprehensive curriculum for research bioethics was developed.
• The program is designed to train 150 Bangladeshi professionals over four years.
• Training will be delivered by national experts with international technical assistance.

Conclusions:

• The program aims to significantly improve ethical conduct in health research in Bangladesh.
• Capacity building in research bioethics is crucial for advancing health research standards.
• The structured training program will equip professionals with essential ethical research knowledge and skills.