People’s vulnerabilities increase during pandemics. Where possible, research approaches should be adapted to ensure the ethical inclusion of vulnerable persons – with adequate protections – rather than adopting patronizing or convenience exclusions.

The exclusion of people in vulnerable situations from research can exacerbate existing inequalities and worsen their situation. It is therefore important to consider ways of protecting rather than patronizing marginalized populations in research.

Relevant publications:

Declaration of Helsinki embraces health equity

Vulnerability Revisited: Leaving No One Behind in Research