Agreement: I AgreeBody: Dear Editor The editorial rightly warns that political interference in the United States corrodes scientific integrity. But the silencing of science is not bounded by one country or one administration. In many low- and middle-income settings, a quieter mix of political patronage, commercial pressure, and chronic underfunding suppresses inconvenient findings—often in the very places where health burdens are greatest. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential to relevance and fairness, yet inclusivity cannot substitute for methodological rigour, transparency, and reproducibility. Public trust depends on editorial independence that resists pressure from all directions—governmental, commercial, and ideological. Three practical safeguards can strengthen the system now: (1) protect whistleblowers and early-career researchers through clear, enforceable anti-retaliation policies; (2) expand open science—pre-registration, data and code sharing, and routine replication—so findings are resilient to political winds; and (3) build South–South research alliances and funding firewalls that reduce over-dependence on any single nation’s institutions or politics. Science silenced anywhere is a loss everywhere. Safeguarding integrity demands vigilance that is global, balanced, and grounded in both equity and rigour. No competing Interests: YesThe following competing Interests: Electronic Publication Date: Monday, September 29, 2025 - 18:23AI use: Yes I have used AIAI use details: For language refinement only to my original text matterHighwire Comment Subject: Global cost of silencing scienceWorkflow State: ReleasedFull Title: Protecting Scientific Integrity Requires a Global and Balanced Lens Highwire Comment Response to: Global cost of silencing scienceCheck this box if you would like your letter to appear anonymously:: Last Name: mariaFirst name and middle initial: artiEmail: artimaria@gmail.comAddress: New DelhiOccupation: doctor neonatologistAffiliation: ABVIMS & Dr RML HospitalBMJ: Additional Article Info: Rapid response