Target Malaria Uganda attends 12th Annual National Research Ethics Conference  

Target Malaria Uganda was honored to participate in the 12th Annual National Research Ethics Conference (ANREC 2025), organized by the Uganda National Council for Science and Technology (UNCST) and held at Hotel Africana.  

This event brought together research ethics committee members, community representatives, and researchers from Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania and Ethiopia. 

The conference theme, “Communities as Partners: Strengthening Community Engagement in Research” resonated deeply with our team as we have always prioritized meaningful and transparent relationships with the communities where we conduct our research. 

During the conference, participants engaged in plenary sessions and panel discussions that explored ethical oversight in emerging technologies, informed consent during public health emergencies, and the role of community voices in shaping research priorities.  

A major highlight of the conference was the launch of Uganda’s national guidelines for community engagement in research, setting a standard for ethical, respectful, and inclusive partnerships. These guidelines closely align with the core principles guiding Target Malaria’s community focused approach. 

Participants also benefited from the insights shared by the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), who emphasized the importance of addressing misinformation through continuous community involvement. Their practice of inviting community representatives to visit laboratories and observe research activities first-hand is a model that aligns closely with our own commitment to  trust, transparency,  co-creation and inclusivity. 

The participants also had the opportunity to learn from and share experiences with colleagues across the region. The voices of community members from different areas, including those on the Uganda Virus Research Institute Community Advisory Board (CAB), spoke about the positive impact of being engaged throughout the research process. Their testimony further emphasized the value of ongoing dialogue in building trust and creating a sense of partnership. 

Overall, the conference offered invaluable insights into improving ethical oversight and deepening community engagement. Our team is better equipped with new perspectives to further reinforce the ethical foundation of our work. 

We remain committed to ensuring that the communities we work with are not just participants in research, but partners who are valued, respected, and actively involved in every step of the way.