Governance of Health Research
Code of conduct for responsible research
WHO considers research a fundamental instrument for the advancement and attainment of health, and is committed to the highest standards of scientific quality and ethical integrity. Shaping the research agenda and stimulating the generation, translation and dissemination of valuable knowledge is one of WHO’s core functions.
This Code of Conduct was developed based on the WHO Strategy on Research for Health.
WHO Strategy on Research for Health
WHO has long given high priority to research. The fundamental importance of research for WHO is identified in Article 2 of the Organization’s Constitution: “to promote and conduct research in the field of health”
WHO’s strategy on research for health, approved by the Sixty-third World Health Assembly in May 2010, is based on the premise that policies and practices in support of health worldwide should be grounded in the best scientific knowledge. The strategy’s mission is that all partners should work together to harness science, technology and broader knowledge in order to produce research-based evidence and tools for improving global health.
Regional Strategy on Research and Health 2018-2022
The Regional Strategy identifies four strategic objectives.
- Facilitate strengthening of research capacity and adherence to good research practices
- Catalyse prioritization, conception and conduct of research
- Enable translation of research evidence into products, policies and practices (the “3Ps”)
- Support the conversion of 3Ps into goods that benefit public health.