The Importance of Protecting Children in Research Highlighted at the 27th Anniversary Conference of the Institute of Child Health and Human Development
Photo by: Sarah Hazel Moces S. Pulumbarit
The Institute of Child Health and Human Development has just concluded its 27th Anniversary Celebration with a very fruitful discussion.
The ICHHD 27th Anniversary Conference, themed “Do No Harm: Protecting Children in Research”, underscored that a child’s well-being and comfort should always take precedence over scientific goals. Guest speakers highlighted that children are unique participants with developing capacities, requiring tailored research designs and age-appropriate assent processes rather than being treated as “small adults.”
A key issue raised was the ethical dilemma of inclusion, where being overprotective can unintentionally exclude children from essential clinical trials, contributing to gaps in pediatric safety data and continued reliance on off-label drug use. In conclusion, the conference advocated for a strong legal and ethical framework to safeguard children while promoting a shift toward a culture that recognizes them as active partners in medical decision-making.
A huge thank you to all our participants for your insights, our invaluable guest speakers for sharing your wisdom, our generous sponsors, and the organizing committee for making it all possible. We look forward to seeing you again at our next anniversary conference!
Photos by: Nicole Daque
