What is GHRP ?

The central role of health research in improving health and stimulating national economic growth is now well established. Thus, the past few years have witnessed the expansion of health research activities in developing countries. The quality of this research still needs to be strengthened to overcome the issue that research done in developing countries remains unrecognized with limited potential for social and economic impact.

Notwithstanding, the underlying concept of GCP, i.e. protection of human subjects and validity of data generated is a sensible idea that all health researchers would aspire to, and that is with no doubt applicable to all health research involving human subjects. Therefore, although some GCP details may not apply to all types of health research involving human subjects, consideration of the basic principles has to be promoted wherever applicable as a means of ensuring the research participants are not exposed to undue risk and that data generated are valid and accurate.

There is thus a need to develop the capacity of the research community to implement concept and principles of good research practices in all health research, by developing knowledge and understanding of these concepts, as well as capacity to assess the level of requirement upon the level of risk, to ensure a fit for purpose quality system.

WHO-TDR has initiated development of a training course which is expected to impart knowledge and skills on good health research practices (GHRP) related to the conduct of human health research.