Institutions and organisations have long developed data sharing policies to promote the responsible sharing and use of genomic data. GA4GH has led this effort through its Framework for responsible sharing of genomic and health-related data and tools such as the REWS Consent Policy and Toolkit. Despite this leadership, however, the extent to which these tools and standards — particularly those related to informed consent — have been adopted by researchers in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) remains unclear. The REWS Global ELSI group works to identify and address barriers to cross-border data sharing, by developing resources that researchers in LMICs can use to ensure equitable exchange of genomic data.

This session integrates existing GA4GH frameworks with the equity-focused priorities of the REWS Global ELSI group to address implementation challenges of GA4GH's Model Consent Clauses for Genomic Research in Africa. Specifically, it will explore how traditional ethical frameworks and principles in Africa, including Ubuntu, reciprocity, and communal responsibility, can be leveraged to facilitate the implementation of GA4GH policy tools.