ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the ethical-legal complexities of running HIV prevention studies in Eastern and Southern Africa (ESA). It uses a recent report by UNFPA, Harmonizing the Legal Environment for Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights: A Review of 23 Countries in East and Southern Africa to illustrate the key practical complexities which will be faced by researchers, reviewers and civil society representatives in developing, approving and undertaking HIV prevention studies with adolescents.
The chapter also examines complexities that may arise within some legal and policy frameworks after the development of successful prevention products, such as how PrEP will be rolled out to adolescent MSM if parental consent is required for the medication.
The chapter will conclude with recommendations for (a) legal and policy reform, (b) ethical approaches to some of the key complexities and (c) possible models of ways in which adolescent participants can be protected in such studies.
