Published online by Cambridge University Press: 12 March 2007
North–South health research collaborations have a colonial history, and a contested presence in which organisations from resource-poor countries depend on collaborations with grant-holding institutions from affluent countries. Despite this sensitive context, there is a remarkable lack of guidance to support North–South health research collaborations in a comprehensive manner. A reference document of practical advice can establish standards from the beginning, thereby promoting equitable and open relationships. This article explains the process and some results of the development of such a document – a Guideline of Good Practice (GGP)– for the international health research collaboration Initiative for Maternal Mortality Programme Assessment (IMMPACT).