10 Retraction is a mechanism for correcting the literature and alerting readers to publications that contain such seriously flawed or erroneous data that their findings cannot be relied upon. Unreliable data may result from honest error (such as miscalculation or experimental error) or from scientific misconduct (such as data fabrication, data falsification, failure to disclose conflicts of interest and plagiarism). Retractions are also used to alert readers to cases of unethical research.
20 WHO seeks to align with international approaches on retraction in scientific publishing, such as those produced by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE)1 and the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE).2 If scientific misconduct is alleged, or concerns are raised about the conduct or integrity of work published by WHO, appropriate action (which may include, where appropriate, an investigation) should be initiated. Each situation requires individual assessment by the Organization of the relevant facts and circumstances. WHO may choose to publish an expression of concern relating to the work, pending the outcome of the investigation.
30 If the investigation establishes, or if WHO has reasonable grounds to consider, that the content of the publication is seriously flawed or misleading, or otherwise compromised by scientific misconduct, then WHO should retract the publication and publish a statement of retraction. If the concerns are unproven or unfounded, WHO should publish a statement to this effect.
40 Expressions of concern and statements of retraction should be prominently labelled and include the title of the original publication. The retraction statement should explain why the publication is being retracted and include a complete reference to that publication. Ideally, the retraction statement should be linked to the original publication and the retracted publication should be labelled as retracted in all its forms (abstract, full text, PDF) in all languages in which WHO has published it.
50 At least one copy of the retracted publication (in all languages published by WHO) should remain accessible through WHO’s website and be clearly labelled as retracted.
60 WHO should consider retracting a WHO publication if:
- WHO has reasonable grounds to consider that the content of such publication is unreliable as a result of scientific misconduct;
- it constitutes plagiarism (see section VIII.7.2);
- it reports unethical research.
70 WHO should consider issuing an expression of concern if:
- an investigation is underway, but its conclusions will not be available for a considerable time;
- evidence of alleged research or publication misconduct is inconclusive.
80 Retraction statements should:
- be linked to the retracted publication wherever possible (i.e. in electronic versions);
- clearly identify the retracted publication;
- be clearly identified as a retraction (which is distinct from other types of correction or comment);
- be published as soon as possible after WHO determines that it has reasonable grounds to conclude that the retracted publication is seriously flawed and misleading;
- be made freely available to all readers;
- state the reason(s) for retraction;
- be translated into the WHO official languages in which the original publication was published by WHO.
90 In the event WHO determines it is necessary or appropriate for WHO to publish on the topic of the retracted publication, the Organization should develop (in accordance with its applicable rules, regulations, policies and procedures) a new edition of the publication.
