Biomedical Research in Developing Countries - UNICRI

Global Forum on Bioethics in Research
GFBR
The Global Forum on Bioethics in Research is an informal partnership established by
organizations working in the field of ethics of research involving human beings in
developing countries, functioning as a global platform for the sharing of
information and expertise. It aims to facilitate the debate on different issues related
to health research, in particular those relating to research conducted from the
northern countries in the south. Starting from 1999, GFBR meets approximately
annually. The last meeting has been organized in December 2008 in Auckland, New
Zealand, while the next will be held in Santiago, Chile, in September 2009 and it will
focus on conflict of interest in health research. The theme is the result of the
reflection originated by the project “Latin American and European Ethical
Regulation Systems of Biomedical Research” – EULABOR. The 2009 Forum will try
to create awareness on this unresolved issue among all the stakeholders.
The main values of the GFBR embody the ethics of research conducted on human
beings, in particular the respect of differences between many stakeholders
(geographical, cultural, scientific), the importance of mutual learning, the need to
build capacity in ethics of research in low income countries, the need to strengthen
the partnership between north and south in research.
The Council on Health Research for Development (COHRED) hosts the GFBR
Secretariat, which coordinates activities, performed to increase awareness on
bioethics issues worldwide. It also organizes an international fellowship
programme.
http://www.gfbronline.com
Global Ministerial Forum on Research for Health
Bamako
The Global Ministerial Forum on Research for Health held in November 2008 in
Bamako, Mali, has been the result of 20 years of collaboration in promoting
research and improvement for the health of the poor. In particular, the starting
point has been the recognition that only a minimum part of research has been
dedicated to neglected diseases or to health problems affecting poor and middleincome
countries. During the previous Forums the discussion was established to
ensure functioning health systems, to reduce inequality and social injustice.
The main objectives of the Bamako Forum were: strengthening leadership for
health, development and equity; engage all relevant constituencies in research and
innovation for health; increase accountability of research systems.
The Forum has been co-organized by COHRED, the Global Forum for Health
Research, the Republic of Mali, UNESCO, the World Bank, WHO. Other key partners
76