A new definition for global bioethics: COVID-19, a case study

Area of Science:

• Bioethics
• Global Health
• International Relations

Background:

• Bioethics literature often focuses on national issues without proposing international collaborative solutions.
• The COVID-19 pandemic exemplified a lack of global cooperation, despite initiatives like COVAX.
• International research ethics guidelines, such as those from the World Health Organization (WHO), have been inconsistently applied, leading to ethical violations like double standards.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the shortcomings in international cooperation within global bioethics.
• To highlight the ethical implications of unilateral actions during global health crises.
• To advocate for multinational strategies in addressing future pandemics and health emergencies.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of bioethics journals.
• Analysis of international cooperation during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Examination of World Health Organization (WHO) research ethics guidance and its application.

Main Results:

• Most bioethics articles address problems within single countries, lacking cross-border solutions.
• Nations largely pursued independent actions during the COVID-19 pandemic, undermining collaborative efforts.
• An article published under WHO auspices was found to violate the principle against "double standards" in global research.

Conclusions:

• The COVID-19 pandemic underscores the critical need for enhanced international cooperation in bioethics.
• Future global health crises demand multinational strategies to ensure equitable and ethical research and response.
• Learning from the pandemic's failures in cooperation is essential for strengthening global bioethics and preparedness.