Basic concept for capacity building

Research ethics committees review proposed studies with human participants to ensure that they conform to internationally and locally accepted ethical guidelines, monitor studies once they have begun and, where relevant,take part in follow-up action and surveillance after the end of the research. Committees have the authority to approve, reject or stop studies or require modifi cations to research protocols. They may also perform other functions, such as setting policies or off ering opinions on ongoing ethical issues in research.