After the International Ethics Conference, What Is Next?.
Year: 2010
Type: article
Abstract: Introduction The International Ethics Conference held at the University of Botswana from 6-10 December 2009 brought together over 250 delegates, speakers, and other participants from a wide range of disciplines. The theme of the conference, Retrieving the Human Face of Science: Understanding Ethics and Integrity in Healthcare, Medicine and Research, was topical for the delegates, who were a blend of healthcare professionals, academicians, lawyers, health policy makers, theologians, researchers, media professionals, retired professionals, medical and nursing students, and, interestingly, laypersons who attended both as consumers of medical services and as potential research participants. Though health professionals and researchers represented the majority, the mix clearly reflected the growing interest in bioethics amongst people of all social backgrounds, and an increase in the magnitude and momentum of the bioethics movement globally and in Botswana specifically. Summary of the Conference The conference began on Sunday, December 6, 2009 with four pre-conference workshops held in two parallel sessions in the morning and afternoon. The pre-conference workshops were facilitated by teams of local and international experts, and provided a platform for the discussion of important questions in the area of international research. The workshops also provided guidance on preparing proposals to meet the ethical requirements of review boards. The sessions were very useful for young and up-coming researchers, and stimulated debates and discussions around the issue of post-trial access. The workshops were followed by a Braai in the Mokolodi Nature Reserve--an experience that was aimed at showcasing Botswana's natural gifts whilst at the same time serving as a stimulant for networking. The conference itself ran from December 7-9, 2009 and offered a blend of absorbing and interesting plenary sessions and panel discussions. The keynote speakers, presenters, and panelists represented various disciplines ranging from health research, research administration, health policy, and public health. The conference included three keynote addresses covering various aspects related to each of the three main areas of focus--healthcare, medicine, and research. Each of the three keynotes was followed by comments from respondents who had expertise in the topics presented by the keynote presenters. The first keynote was given by His Grace Archbishop Desmond Tutu, a man held in high esteem both locally and internationally. The Archbishop is a man of natural talent; in his moving keynote he called for a shift of view from the patient as a case to a fellow human being in need of service. The Archbishop emphasized that all human beings become vulnerable during times of illness, as illness brings them closer to death. During this time of vulnerability, humans require fellow human beings to provide them care and support. He called for a more holistic view and respect of the patient as the centre of the healthcare enterprise. He added that ethical issues and their nuances must be debated not merely by doctors but all of civil society. Vice Admiral Adam Robinson, the second keynote speaker, gave a moving address on the need for compassion in the delivery of healthcare, medicine, and research. He illustrated his ideas ably using examples from the US Navy and the role that it plays in assisting victims of natural disasters. In his talk on Hearing the Cries of the Poor: Healthcare as Human Response, the United States Navy Surgeon General emphasised the need for those who have resources to assist the less priviledged in times of need. His discussion naturally flowed from Archbishop Tutus keynote, as he illustrated how the priviledged can assist the less priviledged. The third keynote which was given by Dr. Joseph Makhema, Director of the Botswana-Harvard partnership, who emphasized the important issues that arise in international collaborative research. …
Author: Paul Ndebele
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W329447235