China launches international TCM research programme
China's Ministry of Science and Technology has launched a new programme to support international research into Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The project aims to create a platform for international cooperation in TCM development, and pool worldwide TCM research resources. A total of 100 million Chinese yuan (¿9.8 million) has been earmarked for the first batch of 50 projects, which will research new TCM approaches to treating diseases such as malaria, AIDS/HIV, mental illness, and cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. An international steering committee, made up of TCM experts will be charged with the tasks of identifying priorities for support, and implementing the programme. The Chinese government will make additional funds available to develop cooperation between foreign governments and industry in TCM. The programme also aims to establish dialogue and consultation with international health organisations, such as the World Health Organisation (WHO), to promote global policies on TCM research.
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