East Asian medical categories enter a global classification

WHO advised use of RTS,S for children in sub-Saharan Africa and other areas with moderate to high transmission.

The recommendation drew on pilot programmes in Ghana, Kenya and Malawi.

WHO framed RTS,S as an additional tool alongside nets, treatment and other preventive care.

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.

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.

WHO and South African partners visited Cape Town facilities developing vaccine manufacturing capacity.

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.