Abstract

Health research plays an important role in addressing the inequities in human development and health, but in order to achieve these objectives, research should be based on ethical principles and sound scientific knowledge. Although it is accepted fact that bioethics play a pivotal role in health related research in the developing countries, much of recent debate has focused on the controversies surrounding internationally sponsored research and it has taken place largely without the adequate participation of developing countries. The relationship between the ethical guidelines and regulations, and also indigenously/locally sponsored and public health research is not adequately explored and needs further exploration.