Editorial Policy on Co‐authorship of Articles from Low‐ and Middle‐Income Countries

Global health and the support of surgical research, educa-tion, and clinical care in low- and middle-income countries(LMICs) are primary missions of the World Journal ofSurgery. As surgery is increasingly recognized as a cost-effective and necessary component of public health [1] moreresearchers are directing their attention to the issue of sur-gical capacity, innovations, or conditions in LMICs. Withacademic and professional collaborations often transcend-ing national borders, it is important to clearly address theissues of co-authorship and sharing the benefits of research.We feel it is inappropriate to publish scientific papersregarding conditions, capacity or innovations in LMICswithout involving local scientists. In addition to potentiallyviolating the local population’s trust, policy makers andgovernment authorities in LMICs are more likely to acceptand act on the results of research done in their countries ifthey know that local experts have been involved.To address these concerns, the World Journal of Surgeryhas decided to introduce a new policy regarding originalresearch received using primary data from LMICs. Thejournal will now require that all such manuscripts includeat least one local co-author. A local co-author is defined asa national of that country who is living and working in thehome country.The editors understand that there may be extenuatingcircumstances in which this requirement cannot be met.In such cases, a cover letter should explain why a localco-author is not included.