Charity’s GHBN-funded qualitative study focuses on how BCG challenge studies—which involve the deliberate exposure of healthy volunteers to weakened forms of infection—can be conducted ethically in Malawi. With CHIM studies gaining momentum as a tool for accelerating vaccine development, especially in Tuberculosis research, ensuring that these studies align with local ethical standards and community values is essential.

Drawing on her strong background in field-based qualitative research, Charity is leading a study that combines in-depth interviews and community engagement to explore perceptions, concerns, ethical and practical considerations related to BCG CHIM trials.

Her work aims to provide actionable insights for researchers and ethics committees, contributing to the development of ethical frameworks that are contextually grounded and responsive to community realities in Malawi.