Governance Structures for Health Research Ethics in the Eastern Mediterranean Region

IntroductionThis work aimed at mapping research ethics governance at EMR countries.MethodsThe study used two tools shared with Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) countries. The first enquired about legal provisions and regulatory frameworks, as well as Research Ethics Committee (REC) composition, resources, procedures. The second covered ethical oversight of clinical trials (CTs), including coordination of ethical reviews.ResultsMost respondents (85%) indicated that they have national provisions requiring human subjects' research to be REC-reviewed. Around half (46%) reported having legal provisions requiring CTs to be registered on a registry; having a national or institution-specific CT registry (43%); and protecting participants from any financial consequences if they suffer injury as result of their participation (54%).RecommendationsEMR countries are encouraged to develop / foster / accredit national and institution-based RECs, as well as national CT registries. Members of REC committees should have knowledge and skills to ethically review research, in compliance with international standards.