Bioethics meets Ebola: exploring the moral landscape.

INTRODUCTION

The Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in West Africa raised ethical issues about structural disadvantage; the duty to care of healthcare workers; the use and study of unregistered agents; the use of restrictive measures like mass quarantine and the importance of public trust.

SOURCES OF DATA: WHO reports, literature on EVD and ethics.

AREAS OF AGREEMENT: The use of restrictive measures and the testing of unregistered agents is ethical if support for individuals or communities is provided.

AREAS OF CONTROVERSY: Controversy exists over ethical trial design for the study of unregistered agents and over the limits of the duty to care.

GROWING POINTS: The role of the WHO in outbreak control and research oversight needs rethinking and further support. Solidarity in global health needs fostering.

AREAS TIMELY FOR DEVELOPING RESEARCH: Research is needed on how to restore and enhance health systems and public trust in EVD-affected countries.