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

Global health and the support of surgical research, education, and clinical care in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are primary missions of the World Journal of Surgery. As surgery is increasingly recognized as a cost-effective and necessary component of public health [1] more researchers are directing their attention to the issue of surgical capacity, innovations, or conditions in LMICs. With academic and professional collaborations often transcending national borders, it is important to clearly address the issues of co-authorship and sharing the benefits of research.

We feel it is inappropriate to publish scientific papers regarding conditions, capacity or innovations in LMICs without involving local scientists. In addition to potentially violating the local population’s trust, policy makers and government authorities in LMICs are more likely to accept and act on the results of research done in their countries if they know that local experts have been involved.

To address these concerns, the World Journal of Surgery has decided to introduce a new policy regarding original research received using primary data from LMICs. The journal will now require that all such manuscripts include at least one local co-author. A local co-author is defined as a national of that country who is living and working in the home country.

The editors understand that there may be extenuating circumstances in which this requirement cannot be met. In such cases, a cover letter should explain why a local co-author is not included.