A time for new north–south relationships in global health

TLDR

Globalization in health care promises benefits for the Global South, yet bioethical abuses by Global North actors persist, reflecting a socioeconomic legacy of postcolonial exploitation that demands deeper understanding of these global interactions. The study investigates the root causes of this imbalance and proposes strategies to address them. It concludes that empowering Global South nations to independently manage their health systems on an equal footing is essential for equitable health governance. Keywords: global health, bioethics, clinical trials, Africa, exploitation, imperialism.

Abstract

Abstract: The modern concept of globalization in health care and clinical research often carries a positive message for the “Global South” nations of Africa, South America and Southeast Asia. However, bioethical abuse of participants in clinical trials still exists in the Global South. Unethical studies directed by the “Global North”, formed by the medically advanced nations in North America, Western Europe and Japan, have been hugely concerning. The issue between the Global North and South is a well-recognized socioeconomic phenomenon of globalization. Medical exploitation has its roots in the socioeconomic interactions of a postcolonial world, and solutions to reducing exploitation require a deeper understanding of these societal models of globalization. We explore the fundamental causes of imbalance and suggest solutions. Reflecting on the globalization model, there must be an effort to empower the Global South nations to direct and govern their own health care systems efficiently on the basis of equality. Keywords: global health, bioethics, clinical trials, Africa, exploitation, imperialism