Global Health

Question 1

Why are infectious diseases are an important area in global health ethics

Answer 1

• Benefits us,
• Humanitarian duty of assistance,
• Justice
• Raises important questions regarding the violation of important rights eg, freedom of movement, privacy and informed consent

Question 2

Name key international documents (conventions and declarations) which refer to health as a human right

Answer 2

WHO constitution (2006), the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948), International covenant on economic, social and cultural rights (1976) and the UN convention on the rights of the child (1990)

Question 3

Name the 6 Michael selgelid considerations to the ethics of isolation and quarantine

Answer 3

1) It must be effective in controlling the disease,
2) If less restrictive measures achieve the same effect then use them.
3) Consequences of not quarantining must be severe.
4) Must be implemented in an equitable manner.
5) Must be minimally burdensome,
6) Those contained must receive compensation

Question 4

What are reasons people carry out research and clinical trials in developing countries?

Answer 4

Global health inequalities, disproportionate burden of disease, the value of research in developing countries, les stringent ethical standards, cost and the number of participants

Question 5

What are some of the important ethical considerations when preforming clinical trials in developing countries

Answer 5

• Ethical review and protection of participants, health infrastructure, valid consent, community engagement, benefit to participants and the importance of collaborating with local scientists

Question 6

Describe the problem, highlighted in the 1997 AZT trials, that can be posed by the “control” used in some international drug trials

Answer 6

What was the correct control? Was it a placebo or the normal, standard treatment

Question 7

Describe some of the ethical issues encountered during the medical response to the 2014 Ebola outbreak

Answer 7

1) Health and Human Rights - The Ebola outbreak was centred around some of the poorest countries in the world.
2) Quarantine - Should healthcare workers returning from Ebola treatment centres be quarantined?
3) Justice: Access to medication - Medication to be administered despite not knowing the side effects

Question 8

What do medical students need to consider when undertaking electives in poor countries?

Answer 8

Stay within your limits, maintain ethical standards, develop culture competence and minimise burden on host country and healthcare system