South Africa mRNA vaccine hub reports progress

Experience from delivery in three African countries contributed to WHO’s decision.

The eleventh International Classification of Diseases came into effect; it includes optional supplementary coding based on East Asian traditional medical concepts.

The ICD-11 traditional medicine chapter reflects concepts originating in Chinese medicine and used also in Japan, Korea and elsewhere.

Optional dual coding lets health systems record certain traditional medicine diagnoses alongside standard ICD categories for data collection.

ICD-11 taking effect enabled optional traditional medicine coding; inclusion does not establish that a treatment is safe or effective.

Local researchers and manufacturers worked on mRNA technology and transfer to other countries.

The hub aimed to reduce unequal access to vaccine technology exposed during COVID-19.

The visit marked development work, not completion or distribution of a new licensed vaccine.

Publication date: WHO announced an agreement to establish its Global Centre for Traditional Medicine in Jamnagar.

Publication date: WHO named evidence and learning among the planned centre’s strategic areas.