A workshop on ethical issues in research for health was held in Cairo, Egypt, from 6–8 June, 2011. Participants of the workshop included members of the Regional Office Ethics Review Committee and WHO staff from country offices and the Regional Office. The workshop was facilitated by international and regional experts in the field of ethics and staff from WHO headquarters.

The objectives of the workshop were to:

• raise awareness of the concept of health research ethics and principles as defined by international guidelines
• strengthen understanding of ethical issues pertaining to research involving human participants and effectively promote and implement international standards for conduct of health research
• strengthen understanding of specific concepts of research ethics – vulnerability, risk benefits analysis, informed consent
• understand the role and responsibility of research ethics committees.