Commentary calls for ethical, locally led microbiome research to address global inequities (microbiomejournal.biomedcentral.com)

• Over 70% of human microbiome samples come from the Global North
• Van Daele et al.'s co-laboration framework is proposed for ethical research
• Structural commitments needed: governance, funding, accountability

"Human microbiome research is dominated by samples, institutions, and leadership from the Global North, with over 70% of public samples from Europe, USA, and Canada, while South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa contribute less than 10%. A 2021 review found nearly 80% of publications on microbiome research in Africa lacked first or last authors affiliated with African institutions. This commentary engages with van Daele et al.'s co-laboration framework, advocating for ethical, interdisciplinary, locally led research models that center community participation and equitable authorship. It outlines structural requirements including governance tools, funding mechanisms, and accountability systems to ensure implementation and advance global health equity."