The EthicsLab contributes to the project “Decolonising Health Research in Africa: Exploring Epistemic Justice and Change that Matters,” which is funded by the Wellcome Trust Research Fellowships in Humanities and Social Science (WT RFHSS).
Led by Dr Cornelius Ewuoso, the project recognises the growing momentum to decolonise health research in Africa and the centrality of epistemic justice and transformation to these efforts. In the context of infectious disease research (IDR) in Africa, current efforts emphasise inclusion, often understood transactionally by focusing on representation. However, this transactional approach overlooks deeper, more nuanced forms of inclusion necessary for true decolonisation. It remains unclear what type and levels of inclusion are required to achieve this vision.
The project critically examines the narratives and practices of inclusion in African Infectious Diseases Research (IDR). By drawing on African philosophical values, it aims to articulate a new scientific framework for inclusion that aligns with the broader goals of decolonising global health research.
Goals and Objectives
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Critically investigate current practices and narratives around inclusion in African IDR.
- Develop a scientific imaginary of the sort of inclusion required for decolonising IDR in Africa.
- Propose approaches that transcend transactional forms and promote deeper, more meaningful, and transformational inclusion.
Significance
In pursuing inclusion that matters, this project aims to contribute significantly to the decolonisation of global health by moving from transactional to transformational inclusion.
