Collective action for responsible global health data sharing and use.

Area of Science:

• Global Health
• Bioethics
• Open Science

Background:

• Data and biospecimen sharing are crucial for research and public health.
• Current global data sharing practices risk perpetuating inequalities due to capacity and power asymmetries.

Purpose of the Study:

• To redefine data sharing efficiency by focusing on equitable benefit distribution.
• To advocate for a paradigm shift in global health data sharing towards equity-centered practices.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual analysis of current data sharing models.
• Framework proposal for equitable data sharing.
• Call to action for stakeholders in global health research.

Main Results:

• Data sharing efficiency should be measured by the flow of benefits, capacity, and decision-making authority to disadvantaged regions.
• A shift from directing to enabling is needed, focusing on building local capacities.
• Less-resourced actors should view data sharing as an opportunity for leadership and agenda-setting.

Conclusions:

• Sharing mandates must link to tangible health outcome improvements and be supported by robust data systems.
• Academic incentives need reform to value capacity building and equitable collaboration.
• Transforming data sharing into an equity-centered process is essential to rectify historical power imbalances and advance global health.