NEWLY appointed members of the Solomon Islands Health Research and Ethics Review Board, (SIHRERB) on Wednesday 16th April underwent an induction workshop at the Mendana Hotel in Honiara.
The nine appointed members of the SIHRERB come from diverse fields, including Ministry of Education and Human Resources, the Faculty of Nursing, Medicine and Health Sciences (FNHMHS), the Research Office of Solomon Islands National University (SINU), and various clinical and public health departments within the Ministry of Health.
The induction workshop is necessary for the Board’s 9 new members to initiate understanding of the Manual of Operation and ethics application processes and of research linkages with various institutions. The workshop was also to assess their knowledge of ethical principles essential for reviewing research ethics applications through pre and post tests. Other training objectives included familiarizing Board members with Participant Information Statement Consent Form and privacy and confidentiality issues.
While welcoming the new board members, Chief Research Officer and Acting National Director of Nursing and Board Secretary, Freda Pitakaka-Lusi explained the functions of SIHRERB to the new members.
“The Solomon Islands Health Research and Ethics Review Board (SIHRERB) operates under specific objectives which includes the protection of physical and mental welfare and rights of research participants, ensuring that any potential harm does not outweigh the benefits of the research, and to facilitate ethical health research through an effective and efficient review process.
“The Board also functions to promote the importance of ethical standards in health research and guide the achievement of these standards in proposed studies.”
The Board Secretary also explained the tenure of members.
“The membership duration for the SIHRERB is two years, with the possibility of renewal. A total of nine candidates have been selected and appointed from relevant national institutions to replace outgoing members. Newly appointed members will receive appropriate induction and support.
“Today’s event provides a platform for both new and outgoing SIHRERB members to discuss and share their knowledge and experiences regarding research and ethics at both national and international levels.
“Additionally, members have the opportunity to review the SIHRERB Manual of Operations in detail. More information about the roles and functions of the SIHRERB can be found in the Manual of Operations (2016),” said Chief Research Officer and Acting National Director of Nursing and Board Secretary, Freda Pitakaka-Lusi.
Meanwhile, in delivering his official opening remarks, Doctor Nemia Bainivalu, who is the SIHRERB Chair-person emphasized the need for members with diverse knowledge not only in scientific research to be in the Board as health research applications are submitted from various sectors and institutions.
Additionally, Dr. Bainivalu highlighted that any research conducted in the country related to health must first seek Ethical Approval from SIHRERB and this is a critical component in safe-guarding our people from abuse and exploitation by researchers in terms of their Intellectual Property Rights (IPR).
