The idea of supporting expert meetings on bioethics in West and Central Africa was founded on a major observation, i.e. the current low level of debate on the ethical issues raised by a continent and a country facing major economic and social challenges, especially in the area of health. Considerable biomedical and health research is underway in Africa, however, while the debate on research ethics remains insufficient and Ethical Committees are not yet strong enough to make an effective contribution to human protection.

Furthermore, while legal regulation of the use of biotechnologies is highly developed elsewhere, in Africa the setting up of a regulatory framework to promote bio-safety remain an urgent imperative that requires fundamental reflection. Health, environmental and social-welfare risk evaluation and management processes are necessary, with as a prerequisite institutional capacity building, a regional- and international-level data exchange system, knowledge updating and above all the development of bioethical thought.

 

IDRC regional office supported thus, along with other partners, the organizing of the Days of Bioethics held in different West and Central African countries since 2005. Have a look at what came up from these meeting visiting the pages below: