This project seeks to assist organizations to build the institutional capacity, policies and programs needed to respond to the eight Millennium Development Goals. To initiate this process an Institutional Review Board (IRB) for a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) is needed in developing countries. As documented in the current list of International Comilation of Human Subjects Research Protections compiled by the Office for Human Research Protections Department of health and Human Services on October 1, 2005, there exists no ethical guideline for the conduct of human subjects' research in the country of Haiti or other developing countries.

This presentation reviews the steps for approval and authorization by a governing body for the initiation of an Institutional Review Board to have authority over research projects taking place at one of its institutions. Detailed instructions on development of all documents necessary for IRB submission along with delineation of how each project will be monitored by the IRB will be presented along with a description of appropriate committee members and IRB oversight activities. This presentation will describe essential training programs necessary for successful IRB operations. Understanding of ethical issues is an imperative component of IRB training to facilitate approval of appropriate research projects. This presentation defines several ethical issues that could impact research participants.

The successful process of implementing an IRB creates a platform for the protection and safety of research participants and organizations. This presentation establishes a precedent for the conduct of human subject research in countries without guidelines. Further, it creates a portal through which an organization can begin to receive resources that require ethical standards.