COVID-19 has unveiled the frailty of our societies to global shocks such as disease or climate crisis. Public health experts are projecting that the center of the outbreak will shift from the United States and Europe and soon overwhelm developing countries throughout Africa, Latin America, South and Southeast Asia. The pandemic has emerged and spread amidst a scenario previously marked by overwhelming economic and social inequalities, especially profound in developing parts of the world. Although the epicenter today maybe elsewhere, we must prepare now to mitigate the consequences of this pandemic in more resource-constrained settings, such as Pakistan, or we stand to face the peril of losing many more lives. At the moment, there is no available vaccine against the coronavirus and no drug with proven clinical efficacy. While there are over 600 clinical trials focused on COVID-19 testing, treatment and vaccines, there are virtually none planned in resource-poor countries. The numbers of confirmed COVID-19 cases in these countries may be low, as of present, but we cannot overlook the fact that rate of testing is also low and numbers of COVID-19 cases will, in all likelihood, experience a substantial surge in the weeks to come. Compounded by the restricted capacity of local health systems to manage severe pneumonia cases and the limited availability of personal protective equipment means that we can face disruption or complete lockdown of these healthcare systems. This can translate into high direct and indirect mortality since care of all illness threatens to be affected. In today’s world, we are all connected, and thus we must all protect one another. Now, it is more important than ever to view the benefits of science as a global common good and as a human right available to all When a new or re-emergent pathogen causes a major outbreak, rapid access to both raw and analysed data or other pertinent research findings becomes critical to developing an effective public health response. For instance, the release of the full viral genome sequence of the coronavirus via a public platform and the polymerase chain reaction assay protocols, allowed afflicted nations across the globe to detect the virus earlier on in the emergency. Optimistically, the research response to the coronavirus pandemic from high income countries has been vigorous, however, the scientific community is yet to see any formal clinical or epidemiological reports from developing countries. Without the timely exchange of information on clinical, epidemiologic, and molecular features of an infectious disease, informed decisions about appropriate responses cannot be made, particularly those that relate to fielding new interventions or adapting existing ones. A report published the 30 January 2020 International Health Regulations Emergency Committee regarding the outbreak of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) stressed the importance of the continued sharing of timely, complete and transparent data. However, despite this emphasis on the recognition of the need to streamline data dissemination-globally and in as close to real-time as possible- many scientists are still unified in their plight as they face resistance from governments in their requests for data. In the case of COVID-19, this is particularly true for gaining access to population level routine surveillance data and monitoring of disease control programmes that are primarily generated and regulated by governments in most low middle income countries (LMICs). Opting in to share data should be the default practice, and encumbrance should be placed on data generators and stewards at the local, national, and international level to explain any decision to opt out from sharing data and results during public health emergencies. Template data use agreements should be developed that outline governing principles for data sharing, benefits for those sharing data, responsibilities of those using data, and obligations to publicly disclose results of data analyses within specified timeframes. This global pandemic is an “all hands on deck” moment. There needs to be joint action by leading scientists, clinicians and governments towards affirming timely, transparent and reliable data sharing during public health emergencies. This commitment needs to be echoed by all governments and members of the scientific community, especially in public health emergencies. Secondary to the dilemma of nondisclosure of data, is the use of such data to plan research investigations that are adequately powered to generate evidence. The adverse impacts of COVID-19 on health and welfare are likely to be discernable in LMICs. Evidence is needed on pre-exposure prevention, post-exposure prevention, and patient management in COVID-19. Clinical trials, and evaluations of affordable and implementable interventions of all types-behavioral, organizational, medical, and supportive-must be prioritized. These trials must not depreciate the already overburdened health services and in view of current travel bans, they must be designed to accommodate remote initiation and monitoring. There is likewise much that can be improved in supportive care and organization in LMIC settings that could reduce direct and indirect COVID-19 morbidity and mortality. The WHO set up COVID-19 research and development blueprint with a primary Scientific Advisory Group that was formed to provide guidance and ensure the necessary coordination and sharing of information. Likewise, the COVID-19 Clinical Research Coalition – a consortium of scientists, policymakers, public health experts and researchers – has also been set up to make it easier for developing nations to access research data and facilitate ethical and regulatory reviews to help inform their response. Yet in spite of these international efforts, there remain significant bureaucratic and organizational barriers to a rapid research response. Strong political support, effective collaboration, adequate expertise and resources, and informed guidance is needed to overcome these barriers. Much of the public and non-public research is being funded with the aid of governments and charities. These funding agreements need to mandate open collaboration and data sharing whilst protecting the rights of members and patients. Open technological know-how and facts sharing principles need to be applied at all levels of COVID-19 research to boost up progress. In today’s world, we are all connected, and thus we must all protect one another. Now, it is more important than ever to view the benefits of science as a global common good and as a human right available to all. Through cooperation, mutual support, and a spirit of sharing and openness, we can prevail in containing COVID-19 together and build a world that is better prepared for such crises in the future. Javairia khalid is a Research Specialist in Maternal and Child health at the Aga Khan University