What is the role of ethics committees in public health research, and why is informed consent important?

• A. They fund studies.
• B. They review research to protect participants; informed consent ensures autonomy and voluntary participation.
• C. They publish results.
• D. They regulate marketing of health products.

Answer: (B)

Ethics review committees safeguard participants by evaluating the study design before it begins, checking that risks are minimized, potential benefits are justified, and protections for privacy and confidentiality are in place. Informed consent is the process that ensures people understand what they are being asked to do—the procedures, possible risks and benefits, time commitments, and their right to refuse or withdraw without penalty—and that their participation is voluntary. This combination protects individuals, supports autonomy, and helps ensure that public health research is conducted with respect for participants and community welfare. Other roles like funding, publishing results, or regulating marketing are handled by different entities, not ethics review committees.