Related Experiment Videos
Community permission for medical research in developing countries
Dapa A Diallo1, Ogobara K Doumbo, Christopher V Plowe
1Department of Hematology, Malaria Research and Training Center, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Dentistry, University of Bamako, Mali. dadiallo@mrtcbko.org
Summary
Community permission is crucial for research, especially in global health. This study outlines a 6-step process for obtaining community permission at a malaria vaccine trial site in Mali, enhancing individual informed consent.
Area of Science:
- Global Health
- Medical Ethics
- Clinical Research
Background:
- Community consent is a recent but critical development in research ethics.
- Practical experience with community permission processes remains limited.
- Malaria vaccine research presents unique ethical considerations regarding community engagement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a practical, ethically appropriate process for obtaining community permission for a malaria vaccine study in Mali.
- To highlight the necessity of community-level engagement in research involving vulnerable populations.
- To demonstrate how community permission can complement and facilitate individual informed consent.
Main Methods:
- A 6-step process was developed and implemented, including community study, leader engagement, and traditional practitioner consultations.
- The process emphasized dynamic interaction and relationship-building within the community.
- Documentation strategies for community permission were explored.
Main Results:
- The described 6-step process was found to be practically necessary and ethically sound.
- Obtaining community permission initiated and supported the individual informed consent process.
- The approach fostered trust and collaboration between researchers and the community.
Conclusions:
- Community permission is an essential precursor and facilitator for ethical research, particularly in international vaccine trials.
- A structured yet flexible approach to community engagement is vital for successful research implementation.
- This Malian experience provides a valuable model for other global health research initiatives seeking community buy-in.