The Pacific Way: advancing ethical research governance in the Pacific islands.

ABSTRACT: Ethical research governance across Pacific island countries and areas (PICs) faces challenges from limited local capacity and disproportionate external influences. However, a shared commitment to advance and strengthen ethical oversight is increasingly emerging. In May 2025, WHO, the Pacific Community, and the Pacific Academy of Sciences convened a workshop with PIC representatives to review existing health research ethics ecosystems and define priorities for improvement. Mapping efforts revealed wide disparities: some countries have formal legal frameworks and established ethics committees, while others rely on informal processes or external approvals. Concerns were expressed about externally driven research, limited local control, inconsistent consent practices, and weak mechanisms to en

SUBMITTER: O'Rourke JJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12756169 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature