The state of HIV/AIDS clinical trials in South Africa August 18, 2009
Posted by Phakamile in : Health Studies, Projects , 1 comment so farClinical trials in South Africa are taking place almost in every province and majority of them are HIV/AIDS -related because of its high prevalence in the country. The good thing about this is that the communities in which these trial are carried out get to benefit by the level of HIV awareness information and education they receive. Through this education and awareness this contributed in the decreasing the level of new HIV infections.
However, the level of acceptance of these clinical trials in these communities is not always smooth sailing. Some of the main issues include: volunteering vs ‘guinea pigs’, re-imbursement and ethical aspects. Some communities, despite being fully informed, regard being reimbursed for volunteering in these trials as a form of coercion to join them. Others regard volunteers of these trials as guinea pigs. To address these issues communities are always reassured through communuty meetings and education.
