Many signatories to AllTrials have wondered why the World Health Organisation has never had a policy on reporting the results of clinical trials. The WHO has now resolved that it needs one.
It is seeking public comments on a draft statement, which you can find here.
This is potentially a really significant step. We have a chance to press the WHO to state unambiguously that the results of every trial that has taken place, as well as those from now on, should be reported. Also to remind them that the accepted time to report results or offer a reason for delay is 12 months.
If the statement covers past trials and timely reporting, as well as the ethical obligation to report, it will greatly assist AllTrials supporters around the world, particularly in countries where the campaign has not yet gained commitments from research funders and regulators.
Please comment on the statement. We need to welcome this move by WHO and reiterate the importance of the statement covering past trials and a 12 month reporting deadline. The consultation closes on 15th November. We’re working on our own response right now and will share that with you soon.
This really underlines the importance of telling more people around the world about AllTrials. If you have any friends or contacts you haven’t shared the petition with, please do. You can share it on Facebook and on Twitter.