Two new Institutional Review Board offices opened

As part of its deliverables, the Botswana Clinical Trials Regulation (BoCTRe) project has successfully trained and established two Institutional Review Board (IRB) offices for Ngamiland District at Letsholathebe Primary Hospital and for Mahalapye District at Mahalapye Primary Hospital in Botswana.

Before this activity, IRB trainings were conducted to capacitate committee members on research and ethics governance. These trainings covered topics like ethical principles in research, informed consent, protection of human participants, research misconduct, and regulations. Each IRB office is fully equipped with resources to facilitate efficient operations of the IRB. With the new resources and the training, they are more prepared to review and approve study methods while safeguarding the rights and welfare of participants.

These IRB offices signify their commitment to strengthening clinical trial regulation and oversight in the country and upholding participants’ rights and well-being. The IRBs serve as dedicated spaces for thorough review and assessment, reinforcing their dedication to achieving excellence and integrity.