By Cremilda Macuacua, China Africa News
JOHANNESBURG, March 25 — A major step in China–Africa health cooperation was marked this week as the Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture Association of Africa unveiled continent-wide education standards for Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and acupuncture.
Launched in Johannesburg, the new frameworks aim to transform TCM training across Africa from informal, experience-based teaching into a structured, standardized academic system.
According to project lead Hu Zijing, the standards were developed through extensive international collaboration, bringing together experts from China, South Africa, Australia, Thailand, United States, Canada, Philippines, and Malaysia.
The newly released standards provide a comprehensive blueprint for TCM higher education, covering curriculum design, diagnostics, acupuncture, clinical practice, and assessment systems all aimed at ensuring consistency and quality across institutions.
University of Johannesburg has already begun implementing the standards in both undergraduate and postgraduate programs, signaling early adoption on the continent.
Health sector leaders say the move could reshape Africa’s healthcare landscape. Radmila Razlog noted that the initiative strengthens education quality while supporting more diverse and integrated healthcare systems.
Beyond education, the development underscores a broader trend: deepening China–Africa ties in health, knowledge exchange, and cultural cooperation.
— Source: Xinhua News Agency
