29 November 2023.
130 experts from 43 countries, with robust global south representation, convened both in person and virtually at the inaugural WHO Global Clinical Trials Forum on November 20-21, 2023. The forum aimed to align clinical research capabilities with the World Health Assembly resolution (WHA75.8), fostering high-quality evidence on health interventions.
Key objectives included the development of a unified vision for strengthening clinical trial capabilities, addressing day-to-day issues of local clinical and public health importance, and providing updates on global clinical research capabilities.
Representatives from diverse fields, including cancer, cardiovascular, metabolic, and neurological disorders, as well as mental health, tuberculosis, HIV, malaria, maternal and child health, and others, shared experiences and lessons learned. Participants also included regulators, ethicists, funders, patient groups, and industry stakeholders.
During the summit, discussions highlighted the need for national support, streamlined regulatory processes, enhanced community engagement, and overcoming barriers to trials in underrepresented populations. Calls were made for leveraging digital technologies, providing fit-for-purpose training, and integrating clinical trials into healthcare systems.
The proposed actions aim to reshape the clinical trial landscape, generating compelling evidence for improved policies and practices, ultimately enhancing patient and population health outcomes. For detailed information, refer to the official WHO link.
For more details, visit the WHO Global Clinical Trials Forum page.