First-Ever Systematic Identification of Global Research Priorities
Diabetes Management and Related Issues Highlighted as Top Agenda
The National Institute for Korean Medicine Development (Acting President Song Sujin) announced on December 31 that Senior Researcher Ahn Sangyoung, currently seconded to the World Health Organization (WHO) headquarters in Geneva, participated as the first author of a paper published in the international academic journal "Journal of Global Health."
This journal is regarded as an authoritative publication that covers global health policy, healthcare systems, and international health issues.
This paper is the first study to systematically outline the global research priorities for Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Medicine (TCI) at the WHO level.
The research was conducted based on a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed between the Korean Ministry of Health and Welfare's Department of Korean Medicine Policy and the WHO.
Amid global health challenges such as an aging population and the spread of chronic diseases, the study was designed to clarify the role of TCI and identify research areas that the international community should focus on in the future.
Although traditional medicine has been used as part of healthcare systems in various countries, there have been ongoing calls for the selection of global research priorities, as research topics, directions, and investments have varied by country.
In response, the WHO Department of Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Medicine conducted this study to establish a more systematic and consensus-based research direction.
A total of 120 researchers from around the world participated in the study. The research team applied the Child Health and Nutrition Research Initiative (CHNRI) method, which is an internationally validated research methodology.
Scores were assigned based on criteria such as safety, efficacy, contribution to health equity, and practical applicability, thereby minimizing bias.
The results highlighted the following as top priorities: blood sugar control and diabetes management using traditional medicine; evaluation of interactions and safety between herbal and conventional medicines in the elderly; prevention of frailty and management of cholesterol and triglycerides through exercise therapies based on traditional medicine; and research on managing metabolic syndrome through acupuncture, meditation, and lifestyle improvements.
The study also found differences in research priorities depending on national income levels.
High-income countries placed greater emphasis on drug safety and interactions in the elderly, while middle- and low-income countries tended to prioritize research verifying the effectiveness of traditional medicine in managing chronic diseases such as diabetes.
Furthermore, when comparing the results of analyses using large language models (LLMs) and expert consensus, the study found that expert-driven discussions were more effective in identifying research topics that could be applied to actual policy and research.
The findings are expected to serve as important data for the WHO and national governments in setting directions for research investment, policy, and clinical research plans related to traditional medicine.
Meanwhile, it is noteworthy that the National Institute for Korean Medicine Development, a WHO Collaborating Center for Traditional Medicine, directly participated in the process of setting international research priorities.
This is expected to further enhance the international standing of domestic traditional medicine research.
Acting President Song Sujin stated, "This study will be a significant milestone in establishing scientific evidence for Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Medicine within global health policy," adding, "I hope the research results will lead to expanded international cooperation, improved public health, and the reduction of health disparities."
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