Behind-the-Scenes Investment for Equity in Global Health Research

This perspective article explores systemic inequities in global health research, emphasizing the underrepresentation of researchers and institutions from the Global South. It argues that current funding structures especially indirect cost (IDC) rates disproportionately favor U.S. institutions, limiting the capacity and leadership of Global South collaborators. The authors spotlight the NIH’s $74.5 million DS-I Africa initiative as a positive shift, but call for expanded investment, equitable IDC rates, and deeper institutional support to truly empower local investigators and advance inclusive science.

This perspective article explores systemic inequities in global health research, emphasizing the underrepresentation of researchers and institutions from the Global South. It argues that current funding structures especially indirect cost (IDC) rates disproportionately favor U.S. institutions, limiting the capacity and leadership of Global South collaborators. The authors spotlight the NIH’s $74.5 million DS-I Africa initiative as a positive shift, but call for expanded investment, equitable IDC rates, and deeper institutional support to truly empower local investigators and advance inclusive science.