WHO Unveils Guidelines to Improve Clinical Trials

The World Health Organization (WHO) on Wednesday released guidance to improve the design, conduct and oversight of clinical trials in countries of all income levels.

Clinical trials are research studies conducted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of new medical treatments, devices or procedures.

The guideline, according to Jeremy Farrar, WHO’s Chief Scientist, is necessary to “support stronger country-led research and development (R&D) ecosystems to advance health science so that new, safe and effective health interventions can be made more accessible and affordable globally for people everywhere, faster.”

The guideline became important in light of global divides between countries leading to serious inequities in clinical trials.

Jeremy further noted, “This new guidance aims to improve the diversity of trial participants to ensure research benefits the broadest range of people possible, decisively moving away from a one-size-fits-all approach.

“Strengthening country-led research and development and embedding clinical trials in routine clinical and public health services will ensure faster and more equitable access to safe and effective interventions, helping people become healthier.”

The medical expert also reported that the guidance also seeks to support better decision-making, accelerate access to health innovation, and build more robust and effective national and global health research environments.

It has been noted that Africa offers a unique clinical research opportunity. The continent’s various genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors make it an invaluable setting for studying the efficacy and safety of new treatments across diverse populations.