Foreword
It cannot be overemphasized that public health and medical research are vital to the scientific advancement of animals, human wellbeing, and the environment. Lessons learned from the 2014 Ebola outbreak have provided an opportunity for Liberian researchers to develop research agendas that probe into the prevention, treatment, and control of diseases. Moreover, with the recent COVID-19 pandemic, there is a growing interest amongst researchers to research emerging and re-emerging diseases.
Since the inception of the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL) in 2015, NPHIL has conducted several public health and medical research amongst other scientific research, some independent and others in collaboration with National and International partners. However, research conducted in the past has not been guided to some extent by a clear, comprehensive scientific integrity policy in the conduct of research.
Recognizing the need to strengthen medical and public health research in Liberia and recognizing the significance of research in the development of the country, the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL) has developed this National Public Health and Medical Research Agenda (NPHMRA) document that identifies priority areas of Public Health and Medical Research for Liberia over the next five years (2021 – 2025). This policy document aims at strengthening evidence-based decision-making, thereby providing the necessary technical support to inform relevant policies of the Liberian government and recognizes the different responsibilities of partners, researchers, research institutions, employers, employees, donors, and other stakeholders involved in research initiatives including the acquisition of research findings or data, conception of research, its implementation, evaluation, and publication of research findings. This document also sets research priorities that are of interest to local and international stakeholders. These research areas cover predictive, promotive, and preventive.
I uphold the principle that research should be governed by a wide range of ethical, moral, legal, professional practice and standards. This policy document calls for the consciousness of ethical practice by researchers, their respective institutions, and all other bodies involved in facilitating or implementing research including but not limited to employers, funders, and research permit granting institutions especially in areas such as those of preparation of research proposals, data acquisition, processing, reporting, and dissemination.
Therefore, I call upon all institutions, national and international partners, and stakeholders engaged in conducting or facilitating research to observe the ethical requirements recommended by this policy document.
Hon. Jane A. MaCauley
Director-General
National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL)
