New Draft Policy for Genomics: WHO Invites Comments

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has called for comments on a new draft policy that sets out globally applicable principles governing the access, use and sharing of genome data to promote human health and wellbeing. 

The proposed Principles for Human Genome Data Access, Use and Sharing appeal to the need to protect individuals and communities providing their genome data for research, to aspects of social justice and to features of appropriate stewardship and responsible handling of genome data. The draft policy takes an assertively global perspective, focusing on the relationship between genomics and diverse communities. 

Among other groups, such as the Global Alliance for Genomics and Health, GHGA has submitted comments suggesting a stronger focus on the issue of re-use and the role of data infrastructures to promote efficient and sustainable data sharing.