Integrating Traditional Medicine into the WHO Family of International Classifications

Traditional Medicine in 

Health Information Systems

The World Health Organization, in consultation with a large group of stakeholders in the areas of
Traditional Medicine, including Complementary and Alternative Medicine, and Health Information
Systems, has developed a collaborative project plan to produce an international standard terminology
and classification system for Traditional Medicine. The rationale for this proposal is as follows:
1. Traditional Medicine is a significant part of health care which is commonly used around the
world;
2. Current health information systems about TM are not adequate: “Traditional Medicine does not
count, unless we count Traditional Medicine”;
3. Local Traditional Medicine knowledge exists, but there is a lack of international harmonization;
4. International Standardization of Traditional Medicine information is essential;
5. Unification of Traditional Medicine and conventional information will improve efficiency; and
6. Digitalization of health information provides an opportunity for Traditional Medicine.
These points are briefly explained as follows:

1. Traditional Medicine is a significant part of health care which is commonly used around the
world;

2. Current health information systems about TM are not adequate: "Traditional Medicine does
not count, unless we count Traditional Medicine";

3. Local Traditional Medicine knowledge exists, but there is a lack of international
harmonization;

4. International Standardization of Traditional Medicine information is essential;

5. Unification of Traditional Medicine and conventional information systems will improve
efficiency;

6. Digitalization of health information provides an opportunity for Traditional Medicine;

Deliverables:

International Classification of Traditional Medicine (ICTM)

International Standard Terminologies of Traditional Medicine

A Web Portal on TM that links ICTM and TM terminology to WHO-FIC