Research & bioethics in #emergingpathogen #epidemics. Look forward 2 attending Global Forum on Bioethics in Research Nov2-4 #gfbr2015

Off to Annecy for #GFBR2015: two days of intense discussions on #bioethics and #globalhealth #research in a beautiful campus, stay tuned!

Excited! #GFBR2015-Research ethics in epidemics. Thanks 4 your generosity @wellcometrust @gatesfoundation @NIH UK-MRC & Fondation Mérieux

Also launching with #GFBR2015 the new website of the Global Forum for #Bioethics in #Research
 http://www.gfbr.global/  #globalhealth

#gfbr2015 meeting -ethical issues for research in epidemics at Fondation Merieux today @wellcometrust @Fogarty_NIH @gatesfoundation @The_MRC

Greatful 2B @ #GFBR2015 in Annecy to discuss ’emerging epidemics+experimental tx’ ie: Ebola. ~50ppl, 35 countries. Will tweet if solved!

I’m at #gfbr2015 mtg in Annecy on emerging epidemics and experimental treatments

And #gfbr2015 begins with a welcome by Christophe Longuet from the Fondation Merieux- talks about the history of the wonderful host venue

Delighted to be here in Annecy for #gfbr2015 on Ethics of Emerging Epidemic Infections and Experimental Medical Treatments

Now Florencia Luna, member,Interim Steering Committee of the Global Forum for #Bioethics in #Research talks about history of forum #gfbr2015

GFBR-Platform for open & transparent discussions on ethics in international research-Florence Luna. #GFBR2015 discusses ethics and epidemics

highlighted history of the Fondation Merieux & the work being done by them in infectious disease research #GFBR2015  https://twitter.com/BhadeliaMD/status/661447214611505152 …

And a pleasure to have @upshur_ross presents the opening plenary at #gfbr2015 on Ethics and Epidemics: Are lessons ever learned
#bioethics

At #gfbr2015 talks about the disruption to communities caused by #pandemics and #epidemics– lessons learnt from past experiences #bioethics

Ross Upshar @UofT keynote: Historical perspective on outbreaks & unique research challenges.”We are both victims & vector alike” #gfbr2015

Issues around #stigma, #vulnerabilities & #frailty of the human condition in the context of epidemics raised by @upshur_ross
#gfbr2015

Ross talks abt ethics & epidemic modeling-apocalyptic models might raise awareness but do not often help
#gfbr2015 #epidemics #globalhealth

Stark reminder: humans are both victims and vectors alike in #globalhealth #epidemics
#gfbr2015  https://twitter.com/BhadeliaMD/status/661450776112447489 …

.@upshur_ross Need for ethics in mathematical modeling conversation. Reflections of models during Ebola epidemic #gfbr2015

@upshur_ross gives Keynote lecture @ #GFBR2015. Ethics and Epidemics: Are lessons ever learned? “We are both victims and vectors”

.@upshur_ross notes black market for Ebola survivor blood – expect the unexpected during outbreaks. #GFBR2015.

Std research ethics norms & guidelines apply to research in epidemics but requires reflection & adaptation to context @upshur_ross #gfbr2015

.@upshur_ross Ethx issues: Failure of due diligence re:residual samples/biobanking during Ebola! Monitored use vs. compasionate. #gfbr2015

#gfbr2015. “Addressing ethical issues in epidemics is critical to survival of our species” @upshur_ross nuff said!

Very stimulating keynote address by @upshur_ross at the #gfbr2015. Pertinent questions to be answered. Look forward to the discussions

In epidemics such as EVD, there is need for open discussions on management of residual samples,sample ownership & IC @upshur_ross #gfbr2015

Great opening keynote at #gfbr2015 from @upshur_ross of @UofT on Ebola outbreak ‘nothing new about the lessons learned’ @wellcometrust

Mix of public health ethics & research ethics @upshur_ross raised in his keynote lecture. More debates #gfbr2015  https://twitter.com/michaelethox/status/661486255922921477 …

@AnantBhan opens case discussions on trust, community engagement and ethical issues around global health research and outbreaks #gfbr2015

Emilie Venables shares experienced and Ethical challenges of anthropological research in Liberia during Ebola outbreak #gfbr2015

Role of anthropologists in outbreaks: understanding cultural context, community acceptance of interventions, etc #gfbr2015

#GFBR2015 MSF sent anthropoligists to inform health promotion during Ebola. Now hearing about ethics issues – fascinating!

ERB approval in outbreaks: how quick is quick enough? #gfbr2015

Emilie Venables @MSF_southafrica There was community interest in research during EVD outbreak. People wanted their voices heard #gfbr2015

Consent in qualitative/anthropological research in outbreaks: Is oral consent enough? Does written consent deter participation? #gfbr2015

Emilie Venables talking about community engagement during the Ebola response #gfbr2015

#gfbr2015 incredibly impressed by wide representation from Northern & Southern hemisphere experts. Meaningful exchange 2 promising results!

Emilie Venables @MSF makes case for having standardised research protocols for pre-approval before outbreak occurs #gfbr2015 @wellcometrust

Stimulating 1st session of #gfbr2015 &qs flowing: if/how to expedite ethical review in epidemics? Do health interventions blur w/ research?

#GFBR2015 Q 4 MSF – I get it, but how to justify $$ to anthropological research during Ebola to donors and affected communities?

Emilie Venable @MSF_southafrica argues for some degree flexibility in REC review for anthropological studies during epidemics.#gfbr2015

Should researchers from humanitarian organisations receive differential ethics reviews? #gfbr2015

Community engagement in research: Maureen Njue shares experiences from KEMRI #gfbr2015

#gfbr2015 Very informative presentation -Phase 1 Ebola Vaccine Trial in Kenya

KEMRI engaged partners at National, county and individual levels for successful Phase I Ebola vaccine trial in Kenya #gfbr2015

Stakeholders engaged by KEMRI wanted to know why Phase I EVD was being conducted in Kilifi, Kenya #gfbr2015

@KEMRIW‘s Patricia Njuguma highlights importance of information and community engagement in research and trials during outbreaks #gfbr2015

Patricia Njuguna, Maureen Njue @KEMRIW outline factors for success of their comm. engagement re Ebola vaccine trial #gfbr2015 @wellcometrust

Maureen Njue @KEMRIW EVD Phase1 vaccine trial in Kenya #gfbr2015 Global solidarity in fight against epidemics despite geographical location

Prof Godfrey Tangwa presenting rich and evocative practical ethical dilemmas for patients, families and health professionals #gfbr2015

Godfrey Tangwa talks abt the dilemmas faced by transport staff in ambulances dealing with #Ebola #gfbr2015 #bioethics #Africa #healthcare

@JennyferAmbe @get_africa using convalescent plasma in the fight against EVD. Indigenous response & African leadership #gfbr2015

Jennyfer Ambe and Godfrey Tangwa present a case study on use of convalescent plasma during the EVD outbreak in Liberia #gfbr2015

#GFBR2015 Africans doing community engagement in Africa – innovative vs. common sense. Ethics of recruiting EVD survivors – harrowing cases.

Godfrey Tangwa, @JennyferAmbe introduce ethical dilemmas re using blood from Ebola survivors in research/treatment #gfbr2015 @wellcometrust

Striking a balance between indigenous response, African leadership and non-African leadership in epidemics in Africa-Getnet Tadele #Gfbr2015

#GFBR2015 Profound words Dr.Tangwa of UofYaounde “we need to be clear about epistemology of allopathic medicine” in all research.

@synthymama @JennyferAmbe @Prf Tangwa way to go esteemed @get_africa members. So proud of you all for your good works #gfbr2015

#GFBR2015 @get_africa first session of GFBR was on Trust and Community Engagement. Ethical questions to be discussed during the next 2 days.

Great talk @BrowneKatharine incentives 4 research participants, finds $ not top, many altruistic + selfish motives #gfbr2015 @wellcometrust

Interesting Pecha Kucha sessions at the #gfbr2015. 5mins presentations with 20secs per slide

Sofia Salas and the Mapuche protest-How far should samples travel and who owns the blood? #gfbr2015 Pecha Kucha session

Great Pecha Kucha presentation by Prof Sofia Salas about ethics of cross-border transfer of human specimens in research #gfbr2015

There’s a need for better ways 4 medics + researchers to share dilemmas etc in field in outbreaks says @BhadeliaMD #gfbr2015 @wellcometrust

Ama Edwin discusses public outcry/fear at start of EBOV vaccine trial in Ghana, challenges w media, politics, perceptions #gfbr2015

Since using prelim data 2 make clinical choices,need exchange w researchers re data caveats,interpretation #gfbr2015  https://twitter.com/pjwoodgate/status/661534897698377729 …

Excellent discussion on history, role of state, cultural/social norms forming background of EBOV trials in Guinea from @alameenuy #gfbr2015

@alameenuy for Morenike. importance of engaging communities in protocol design .@get_africa #gfbr2015

Would a researcher facing death want to be treated or studied? #GFBR2015 Dr. Tangwa, UofYaonunde

In Yaounde airport, scanners take your temperature from afar, but no running water in the bathrooms! – Dr. Tangwa UofYaounde #gfbr2015

Godfrey Tangwa (Uni Yaounde): lessons Ebola outbreak not been learned, esp. re inadequate infrastructure/facilities #gfbr2015 @wellcometrust

@AnantBhan @pjwoodgate @michaelethox Sorry to miss #gfbr2015. Many thanks for your tweets. Really great discussions. Best wishes

We miss you @ptindana in #gfbr2015 your work referenced already here in the sessions! @pjwoodgate @michaelethox

@ptindana we miss you #gfbr2015. Great discussions on community engagement and trust. Would have loved to get your perspective

Peter Kilmarx @Fogarty_NIH emphasises need to avoid 2nd class level of review for investigative drug trials in vulnerable groups #gfbr2015

Phillippe Calain (MSF) calls for socio-anthropological study of African AND NGO/relief communities re:beliefs & practices. #gfbr2015

Communities in rural Africa are very intelligent and capable of making smart decisions and informed consent #gfbr2015

need to catalyze the strength of communities in #globalhealth #research
#gfbr2015  https://twitter.com/gndow/status/661571231259500544 …

#bioethics #globalhealth #research
quality important, no second class research acceptable. #gfbr2015  https://twitter.com/gndow/status/661568912753098752 …

Lessons from rVSV-vectored vaccine trial in Guinea: community engagement, trust, communication and respect are key #gfbr2015

This has been an amazing first day! @get_africa #GFBR2015 @wellcometrust @gatesfoundation Thank you!  https://twitter.com/synthymama/status/661195837477928960 …

. @JennyferAmbe indeed, thanks to excellent presentations and discussions thanks to you and other colleagues #gfbr2015

Ross Upshur yesterday. From the bird flu to swine flu and SARs epidemics, it seems little has been learnt for better response #gfbr2015

Something wht we learn is that often not much has changed or been learnt frm past experiences @upshur_ross #gfbr2015  https://twitter.com/alameenuy/status/661815625153708032 …

How to build trust before epidemics strike?. How are community engagements different in epidemic settings? #gfbr2015

Voo Teck Chuan. Presentation on access to novel flu vaccines for those that contributed to seed stock for H5N1 virus samples. #gfbr2015

Issue of flu sample sharing comes up with respect to global #solidarity, #pandemics and #publichealth #globalhealth control
#gfbr2015

Day 2 #gfbr2015 Voo Teck Chuan on flu vaccine dev, equity of access 4 LMICs who contribute 2 seed stock, #globalhealthsecurity

Ethical issues around Sharing and using biological samples for timely development of vaccines and therapeutics in epidemics #gfbr2015

Does biological samples include public health information? #gfbr2015

Voo Teck Chuan discusses Benefit Sharing in H5N1 flu vaccine research in Indonesia. #gfbr2015

Using lessons from H5N1, Dr Voo discusses Equity, access to vaccines and therapy, intellectual property rights, etc in epidemics #gfbr2015

To what extent can states retain sovereignty over biological samples? Voo Teck Chuan @#gfbr2015

With huge global disparities, how can we ensure equity and justice in research, epidemics and access to therapy? #gfbr2015 day 2 discussions

Important issue raised at #gfbr2015: when we talk about data, sample, information sharing in #pandemics, is reciprocity or justice at heart?

#gfbr2015 Day 2 first case: a real predencent for a new look at guidelines for biospecimen tranfer and benefit sharing.

#Gfbr2015 @alameenuy @synthymama @AnantBhan @BhadeliaMD @get_africa. Breakout sessions: Equity in Access for Treatment.

#gfbr2015 Breakout sessions: Access to therapy/vaccine following trials – participants vs population? At what cost? For how long?

Great discussion re equity/fairness in access to experimental drugs in outbreaks vs managing risk of potential harm at same time #gfbr2015

Jayakrishnan discussing Kayasanur Forest Disease (KFD), an emerging disease affecting Kerala, India #gfbr2015

On skype, with the struggles and equity and technology #bioethics #gfbr2015  https://twitter.com/gndow/status/661855773425840128 …

#KFD is tick borne, identified in 1957, has claimed more than 800 lives. No transmission to neighbouring countries #gfbr2015

#KFD has no treatment, vaccine efficacy wuestionable. Recent outbreak in Kerala raised ethical questions #gfbr2015

Where will the affected patients seek treatment – no govt facility within 3.5hrs of outbreak zone? Should the vaccine be used? #gfbr2015

Is it ethical to vaccinate? Who to vaccinate first: forest worker or population? What data should be collected during vaccination? #gfbr2015

Earlier in AM, equity in access to research data to developing countries as part of fairness during infectious diseases outbreaks #gfbr2015

#KFD vaccination: An RCT will be ideal but not feasible mainly because of trust issues among affected population #gfbr2015

Abha Saxena @WHO: Policy makers and decision makers need a moral compass to make decisions during #epidemics #bioethics
#gfbr2015

Abha Saxena @WHO on why ethics are critical during epidemics-High mortality, scarcity of stuff, action in face of uncertainty #gfbr2015

Abha Sanexa of @WHO discusses development of ethics guidelines in/for epidemics #gfbr2015

#GFBR2015 People on the ground found it hard to use the guidelines. Guidance was lacking @synthymama @AnantBhan @BhadeliaMD @alameenuy

#GFBR2015 WHO draft guidance/ operational doc to be shared with peers at GFBR. @synthymama @AnantBhan @BhadeliaMD @siddarthkaul @alameenuy

.@upshur_ross “Whereof one cannot speak,thereof one must be silent”Wittgenstein, need 4 data, adaptive trial design in outbreaks. #gfbr2015

@upshur_ross at #gfbr2015
 https://twitter.com/JennyferAmbe/status/661886290506481664 …

#gfbr2015– Nancy Kass unravels the science and ethics behind adaptive trial designs
@bermaninstitute  https://twitter.com/alameenuy/status/661888934071427072 …

Great content on #adaptivetrialdesigns in a panel on #gfbr2015
lots of areas to ponder about
#bioethics #science #equity #Ebola #research

Aissatou Touré @institutpasteur discusses ethical dilemma faced by EVD patients and validity of their consent to inv drug trials #GFBR2015

Raised some important questions of making the science personal
#gfbr2015  https://twitter.com/JennyferAmbe/status/661899846815731712 …

#gfbr2015 @bermaninstitute
Prof Nancy Kass on fire batting for the spirit of research to be paramount and pure  https://twitter.com/alameenuy/status/661903855576326144 …

Follow conversation at this week’s “Global Forum for #Bioethics in #Research” > #gfbr2015

+ collection of resources for #bioethics researchers, teachers, students, ethics committees  http://www.fic.nih.gov/ResearchTopics/Pages/Bioethics.aspx …
#GlobalHealth #gfbr2015

The wrap-up session for #gfbr2015 begins with Doug Wassenaar announcing the second GFBR award to Prof Solly Benatar UCT & @UofT #bioethics

Prof Solomon Benatar receives global forum for bioethics research award on his outstanding achievements in bioethics #GFBR2015

Global Forum in Bioethics Research 2015 Award goes to…Prof. Solly Benatar @UCTHealthSci @UCT_Research #gfbr2015. Congrats Prof. Benatar!

#gfbr2015
@UCTHealthSci @UCT_Research
 https://twitter.com/AnantBhan/status/661930513192640512 …

GFBR – debate platform on ethical issues in int health research; stimulates conceptual/empirical research to inform policy #GFBR2015

#gfbr2015. Last day of Meeting. A multicultural academic experience!

7 case studies, 16 pecha kuchas, 4 breakouts, 2 panels, 2 skypes, 1 award & lots of coffee later, #gfbr2015 draws to a close. Thank you all!

Thanks to all the participants, funders, local hosts- great meeting
#gfbr2015
 https://twitter.com/natalie_banner/status/661936330717470725 …

If you want to follow up from #gfbr2015 inc. travel fellowships, presentations & meeting report, keep an eye on  http://www.gfbr.global 

Post #gfbr2015 – I’m reminded that 11313 died in 2014-15 Ebola outbreak vs 16,500 who DIE EVERY DAY from smoking. Which is a PH emergency?