Recent historical examples in global health research demonstrate the need for attention to ethical, social and cultural (ESC) issues in order to successfully complete large-scale research projects and optimize the successful and appropriate adoption of resulting technologies. To achieve the desired impact of the GCGH projects, the ESC issues related to the research projects and the subsequent adoption of the resulting technologies need to be addressed.

The ESC Program for the Grand Challenges in Global Health was launched in November 2005. Based in Toronto, and with team members throughout the developing world, the ESC Program collaborates with experts in developing countries to devise ways to address potential ethical, social and cultural issues raised within the projects under the Grand Challenges in Global Health Initiative.

ESC Advisory Service:  The advisory service assists project investigators and their collaborators in addressing ESC issues within the GCGH projects.

Working Papers:  Based on knowledge gained from working with GCGH projects, we have already published several working papers in scientific journals. 

Global Case Studies: Based on topics prioritized by GCGH investigators and developing world experts, we are conducting two global case studies: (1) community engagement in various global health research and implementation contexts in the developing world, and (2) commercialization of health products in low resource settings.

Working Groups:  We have established four technology-specific working groups (vaccines, genetic control of vectors, nutritionally enhanced foods, and diagnostics) whose members include GCGH PIs or designates, GCGH program staff, ESC program staff and experts from the developing world.

Public Engagement: We are developing internet-based public engagement modules: MalariaEngage and WaterEngage. These virtual communities will facilitate social action users to make financial contributions to malaria research projects in developing countries.