WHO Strategy on Research for Health

 Description: The World Health Organization’s Strategy on Research for Health (adopted by the World Health Assembly in 2010) includes “strengthen research governance” as one of its core objectives. This global framework urges countries to develop robust governance mechanisms for health R&I – such as national ethical guidelines, research registries, and oversight bodies – to ensure that research is conducted transparently, accountably, and in alignment with health needs. Good governance in this context means clear policies on research prioritization, standards for ethical review, and inclusive processes that engage communities (particularly important in healthcare, where public trust is paramount).

 Key Resources: Key documents include the WHO’s Strategy on Research for Health (2012) and regional policies like the PAHO (Pan American Health Organization) Policy on Research for Health (2009), which explicitly lists “Governance” as an objective (“to strengthen research governance and promote the definition of research agendas”. These texts provide guidance for governments and institutions on setting up governance structures – e.g., national ethics committees, trial transparency requirements, and coordination platforms for research stakeholders.

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 How It Helps Researchers: In practical terms, this strategy helps create an enabling environment for health researchers. When a country implements the WHO guidance, a researcher might find streamlined ethics approval processes, clearer regulatory expectations, and support for data transparency (like clinical trial registries mandated by governance policy). It also protects researchers and participants by ensuring there are standards for consent, safety monitoring, and accountability. For example, WHO’s call for trial result disclosure has led many jurisdictions to require researchers to report findings publicly, thereby improving transparency and allowing others to build responsibly on that knowledge.