Major medical research funders are set to jointly endorse a statement pledging to adopt World Health Organization (WHO) standards to strengthen clinical trial systems and better serve communities and patients worldwide.
The statement sets out a series of measures to integrate trials into national infrastructure, enhance design, ensure diverse participation, and embed best practices on management of data, transparency and public engagement.
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This initiative follows the recent publication of the WHO Guidance for best trial practices and the launch of the Global Action Plan for Clinical Trial Ecosystem Strengthening (GAP-CTS).
It also builds on the 2017 WHO statement regarding the public disclosure of clinical trial results and the 2023 Global Research Collaboration for Infectious Disease Preparedness (GloPID-R) funders’ roadmap for improved trial coordination.
These commitments are aligned with the World Health Assembly resolution on bolstering clinical trials, underscoring the key role of funders in building an equitable clinical trial ecosystem.
Funders have emphasised the importance of embedding clinical trials within national health and research systems, aligning activities with local priorities.
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By GlobalDataEarly engagement with patients and communities is prioritised, and funding recipients will receive direct support to fulfil obligations related to data management, community involvement, and the inclusion of representative participant groups.
The proposed clinical trials are expected to address evidence gaps, involve individuals and communities in their design, and ensure the inclusion of diverse populations.
South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) president and CEO Ntobeko Ntusi said: “On behalf of the SAMRC, we are honoured to be a signatory to this important statement.
“Our organisation is committed to ensuring that trials conducted in our region are registered in the PACTR and SANCTR Clinical Trial Registries. This strengthens transparency and accountability in clinical research.”
Funders have committed to conducting trials to international standards, including registering studies in public registries, updating data within 12 months after concluding, and publishing protocols and findings in open-access journals.
