INTRODUCTION: The Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in West Africa raised ethical issues about structural disadvantage; the duty to care of healthcare workers; the use and study of unregistered agents; the use of restrictive measures like mass quarantine and the importance of public trust. SOURCES OF DATA: WHO reports, literature on EVD and ethics. AREAS OF AGREEMENT: The use of restrictive measures and the testing of unregistered agents is ethical if support for individuals or communities is provided. AREAS OF CONTROVERSY: Controversy exists over ethical trial design for the study of unregistered agents and over the limits of the duty to care. GROWING POINTS: The role of the WHO in outbreak control and research oversight needs rethinking and further support. Solidarity in global health needs fostering. AREAS TIMELY FOR DEVELOPING RESEARCH: Research is needed on how to restore and enhance health systems and public trust in EVD-affected countries.
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Alison Thompson (2016) studied this question.
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