What are the ethical challenges of conducting health research in conflict-affected South Sudan?

Key ethical challenges in conflict-affected settings include: obtaining meaningful informed consent from displaced or traumatised populations; ensuring research does not exacerbate conflict or put participants at risk; managing the dual role of researcher and humanitarian responder; and navigating limited institutional ethics review capacity. Researchers should seek ethics approval from both South Sudan institutions (Ministry of Health) and their home institution, and should consult the CIOMS guidelines for research in resource-limited settings.

Community engagement is particularly important in conflict-affected settings. Involve community leaders and representatives in the research design and ensure that the research benefits the community, not just the researchers. Be transparent about how data will be used and who will have access to it. SSHIA can provide guidance on ethical research practices in the South Sudan context.