Research ethics review--protecting participants in research.

The global proliferation of medical research has imposed a huge responsibility on research ethics committees (RECs). While South Africa has a climate conducive to serious growth in research, it is also home to a large number of vulnerable groups of poor populations. The potential for misuse of power in research cannot be ignored. Stipulations within the National Health Act now make the ethical practice of research a statutory requirement in South Africa. Commitment to REC support by institutions will be reflective of their commitment to ethical research. However currently RECs are overworked and understaffed. Regrettably, protecting participants in research has not kept pace with the rapid increase of research in the country.