FG inaugurates committee to regulate health research and ethics

The Federal Government has inaugurated the National Health Research Ethic Committee to regulate health research and ensure that it meets all ethical criteria.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony held recently in Abuja, the Coordinating Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Tunji Alausa noted that the establishment of the National Health Research Ethics Committee reflects the government’s unwavering dedication to fostering a healthcare system that is rooted in integrity, transparency and ethical conduct.

This was disclosed in a statement signed by the Director of Information, Deworitshe Patricia on Thursday.

According to the statement, Alausa stated that members of NHREC are appointed in line with the National Health Act of 2014, which clearly lists out the criteria, roles, and responsibilities of the committee affirming that, “the ethical dimensions of health research cannot be overstated.

“In our pursuit of scientific advancement & medical breakthrough, we must ensure that the rights, dignity and wellbeing of research participants are protected” he adduced.

The Minister reiterated that National Health Research Ethics Committee will play a crucial role in providing health research direction while ensuring that responses are rooted in scientific rigor, compassion and a deep sense of social responsibility.

The Committee comprises of eminent individuals from diverse backgrounds entrusted with the crucial task of overseeing and guiding ethical practices in Health research across the nation.

Members of the Committee are:
1. Prof. Richard Adegbola – Chairman
2. Dr. Adedeji Adefuye
3.Barr. A B Malle
4. Prof. Ibrahim Abubakar Iliya
5. Prof.Saleh Garba Ngaski
6. Dr. Geoffrey Okatubo
7. Prof. Misbau Rufai
8. Mrs. Ayodele Rotimi
9. Prof. Lawa Ahmadu kuki
10. Prof. M A Sule
11.Mr. Ibrahim Muhd Mami
12. Mr. Ahmadu Adamu
13. Dr. UAC Okafor
14. Dr. Amina Ahmad Sheu.

Earlier, In her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Kachollom Daju, said health research is essential for the advancement of healthcare and the development of new treatment for diseases.

According to her, in Nigeria, many different research studies are ongoing ranging from socio-behavioural studies to clinical trials at various levels.

“They are aimed at providing evidence that may lead to the development of new tools and methods for the control of our major diseases, such as Malaria, HIV/AIDS, Vaccine which are preventable.”

Daju explained, “as we continue to promote health research in order to contribute towards improving the health status of Nigerians, we have taken it upon ourselves to strengthen NHREC to provide for and ensure adherence to a regulation for the protection of human participants in research.” She said.

In his acceptance speech, The Chairman of the Committee, Professor Richard Adegbola noted that the inaugural Committee is a testimony to the readiness of the Federal Government to take a giant step forward in promoting and safeguarding the ethical standard of health research, a cornerstone for progress, and prosperity in our country.

Adegbola assured that the Committee will strive to live up to its responsibilities while ensuring that Industry adheres to ethical standards as legally prescribed.

Expressing his gratitude to the Federal Government and the Ministry, the Chairman on behalf of the Committee assured of its determination to maintain unity and a shared commitment to ethical excellence in facilitating impactful health research in our Country.