HIV prevention research and global inequality: steps towards improved standards of care

J Med Ethics. 2005 Jan;31(1):39-47. doi: 10.1136/jme.2004.008102.

Abstract

Intensification of poverty and degradation of health infrastructure over recent decades in countries most affected by HIV/AIDS present formidable challenges to clinical research. This paper addresses the overall standard of health care (SOC) that should be provided to research participants in developing countries, rather than the narrow definition of SOC that has characterised the international debate on standards of health care. It argues that contributing to sustainable improvements in health by progressively ratcheting the standard of care upwards for research participants and their communities is an ethical obligation of those in resource-rich countries who sponsor and implement research in poorer ones.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / prevention & control
  • Anti-Retroviral Agents / therapeutic use
  • Community Participation / methods
  • Delivery of Health Care / ethics
  • Delivery of Health Care / standards
  • Developing Countries
  • Ethics, Research*
  • HIV Infections / prevention & control*
  • Health Services / ethics
  • Health Services / standards*
  • Health Services Accessibility / ethics
  • Humans
  • Poverty

Substances

  • Anti-Retroviral Agents