The Ethics of Research addressing COVID-19 related Health Inequities
Strong evidence has emerged of the disproportionate health impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on vulnerable groups leading to a widening of existing health inequities. This effect may be more pronounced in low- and middle-income countries. Exacerbation of inequalities may occur, for example, from pre-existing unjust systemic policies that affect health access as well as structural and life-style factors that prevent at-risk communities from achieving proper social distancing practices. These concerns emphasize the need for health equity research investigating measures, be it health, social or political, that can be implemented in an effective and equitable manner and without discrimination.
This call invites Original papers consisting of 5000 to 8000 words and Perspective or Analysis papers of 2000 to 4000 words on any ethics-related subject matter that seeks to promote health equity research in the wake of the negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on pre-existing vulnerabilities and unjust social/health practices.
This call is linked with a virtual workshop taking place in late November 2020 (Advancing Research Ethics in Asia and the Pacific) involving researchers, members of research ethics committees, and policy makers in the Asia-Pacific Region at which the following topics are highlighted:
- Addressing health inequities through research in the time of COVID-19
- Ethics of research involving vulnerable populations with a focus on migrants, refugees and stateless persons
- Ethical issues involving and engaging vulnerable communities in research
- Ethical issues regarding implementation research involving COVID-19
- Implementation of policies that addresses pre-existing unjust social processes
The deadline for submission of eligible papers is 10 January 2021.
Selected papers will be included in a Special Issue of the Asian Bioethics Review in September 2021. All submitted papers will be assessed by the Editorial Team of the ABR and Guest Editor, Professor Henry Silverman. Those judged to be most likely to make an original and significant contribution to the field will be sent for external double-blind peer review with a view to inclusion in the Special Issue. All submissions will receive feedback. Acceptance for further peer review is no guarantee of publication.
Colleagues interested in attending the virtual workshop on November 18-19, 2020 – Advancing Research Ethics in Asia and the Pacific – can find out more information at: https://asia-researchethics.net.
Sessions from the workshop will be recorded and associated with an online platform that will host discussion forums that continue after the workshop. More information is available at the abovementioned workshop website.
