NANOTECHNOLOGY AND HUMAN HEALTH: BIOETHICAL CHALLENGES WITHIN THE NIGERIAN CONTEXT

Abstract

The contemporary world is witnessing a broad spectrum of research interests and innovations in the fields of nanoscience and nanotechnology. This broad spectrum of research interests and innovations has extended to the area of human health. A careful examination of the Nigerian context clearly reveals that the appropriation and the application of nanoscience and nanotechnology continue to develop exponentially and have garnered much interest, leading to innovations, especially in the area of human health. However, it is also important to indicate that the legislative structures in the country have not developed efficiently vis-à-vis the demands and the challenges raised in the appropriation and application of nanoscience and nanotechnology in the area of human health. Medical research involving the use of nanoparticles has been documented in the country. It is important to point out that medical research that is neither scientifically correct nor ethically good cannot work towards securing the fundamental goals which are at the heart of medical practice and health care, namely, beneficence, the good of the patient and the flourishing of human life. Innovations in nanoscience and nanotechnology, especially in the context of human health, present before us significant challenges. These challenges demand a methodology that is interdisciplinary. The interdisciplinary approach in bioethics and health care, in the creative interaction that takes into consideration the insights from science, technology, medicine, health care, sociology and ethics, would bring about greater promotion of human well-being and human flourishing. Research, investments, and innovations in the fields of nanoscience and nanotechnology continue to develop at a very rapid pace. There is a need to take into account the achievements, the prospects and the challenges in the application of nanoscience and nanotechnology to human health. The core issue is to pay attention to the scientific concerns, the technological concerns in the application of nanotechnology, the environmental concerns, the health concerns and the ethical concerns. The examination of the challenges within the Nigerian context indicates that there is a need for further research and innovations in the areas of nanoscience, nanotechnology and human health. It is important that such research be carried out in a scientifically correct and morally responsible manner for the promotion of the good of human persons, human health, human society, the environment and the ecosystem.