ArticleHealth research policy and systems2026
3Rs principles for biomedical research in Africa: Evidence, challenges, early career researchers' perspectives, and pathways for One Health research governance.
Article in Health research policy and systems, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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Abstract
backgroundThe 3Rs principles (Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement) are globally recognized as a cornerstone of ethical animal research and an essential component of responsible biomedical research systems. Nonetheless, evidence on the awareness, reporting, and implementation in African research settings remain limited. This study therefore examined integration of 3Rs principles in African biomedical research by assessing existing evidence, key challenges, and pathways forward. It also explored awareness of early career researchers concerning ethical animal use and the 3Rs principles, with a particular focus on The Gambia.
methodsA two-pronged approach was used. A structured literature search of the PubMed Central and EBSCOhost databases (2001-2022) was conducted using predefined search terms and Boolean operators to identify peer-reviewed studies from African countries that explicitly reported the 3Rs principles. Also, a cross-sectional survey was administered to 80 purposively selected early career researchers and professionals in The Gambia to assess awareness, training, and institutional support for ethical use of animals in research. Data were analysed using Fisher's exact test (p < 0.05) and the phi coefficient (Φ) to examine associations between selected demographic and training-related variables.
resultsSeven eligible studies explicitly mentioning the 3Rs were identified in six African countries. They mainly involved rodent models and focused on evaluating drug and nutrient efficacy, plant-based mitigation of toxicity, behavioural effects, antivenom evaluation, and environmental health risks. Nearly half involved transcontinental collaborations with researchers from Europe and the Americas. Survey findings showed important gaps in research ethics awareness, training, and institutional support. Most respondents (86%) were unfamiliar with the 3Rs principles, over 65% had not received formal training in research sample collection, and 63% reported absence of institutional protocols or policies governing ethical animal experimentation. Education level was significantly associated with prior training on sample collection from animals (p = 0.01; Φ = 0.341), underscoring the importance of strengthening capacity development, institutional oversight, and research governance within health research systems.
conclusionLimited awareness, reporting, and implementation of the 3Rs principles in African biomedical research point to important gaps in research capacity, governance, and ethical oversight. Strengthening institutional support, training, and regulatory frameworks are essential for advancing responsible research practices and strengthening One Health research systems. Findings from The Gambia provide valuable insights into broader African challenges and opportunities for improvement.
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