The launch of the Evidence Map on Integrative Pediatrics by CABSIN and BIREME-PAHO/WHO and the International Network of Integrative Pediatrics (INIP) are highlights of the program of the 3rd World Congress on Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine, in Rio de Janeiro — 3rd WCTCIM.
Respiratory diseases such as asthma and bronchiolitis are among the most frequent conditions in childhood and represent important causes of hospitalization and impact on children’s quality of life, according to the Brazilian Society of Pediatrics (SBP). Mental health disorders, including anxiety and depression — which affect 8% of children and 15% of adolescents worldwide, according to WHO — inflammatory conditions such as allergies and viral fever, and complex diseases such as childhood cancer represent daily challenges for health professionals and are a major concern for parents and caregivers.
A Promising Evidence-Based Approach
In this scenario, Integrative Pediatrics emerges as a promising evidence-based approach to expand the quality of pediatric care, combining conventional medicine with complementary therapies. Several studies highlight the benefits of this convergence of knowledge: reduction in the use of medications with high potential for side effects, reduction of antimicrobial resistance, better control of pain and anxiety, strengthening of immunity, greater treatment adherence, and support for children’s overall development, among others.
These scientific findings and cutting-edge clinical experiences will be brought together at the 3rd World Congress on Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine (3rd WCTCIM), taking place October 15–18, 2025, at Riocentro, Rio de Janeiro. It is the largest global meeting on TCIM, held for the first time in Latin America.
Program Highlights: International Symposium
The program devotes special attention to child health with the International Symposium on Integrative Pediatrics (International Pediatric Track), taking place throughout October 15. Pediatricians from several countries — including Tido von Schoen-Angerer (Geneva Hospital, Switzerland), Jan Vagedes (Filderklinik, Germany), Shiu-Lin Tsai (American Academy of Pediatrics, USA), Nirupa Raghunathan (Memorial Hospital, USA), Ines von Rosenstiel (Rijnstate Hospital, Netherlands), Fabio Carmona (University of São Paulo, Brazil), and Ricardo Ghelman (São Paulo Society of Pediatrics and General Chair of the 3rd World Congress on TCIM, Brazil) — will address topics ranging from lifestyle interventions such as nutrition, microbiome, herbal medicine, and connection with nature to the integrative management of conditions such as cerebral palsy, respiratory diseases, pediatric oncology, and mental health.
Global Launches and Guidelines
Recent international guidelines will also be shared with participants, such as the “Clinical Guideline for the Management of Febrile Conditions in Childhood”, published in 2025 in the official journal of the Hungarian Ministry of Health. The document emphasizes the importance of rational fever management, prioritizing the child’s overall well-being.
During the 3rd WCTCIM, among panels and oral abstract sessions dedicated to child health, the Evidence Map on Integrative Pediatrics, developed by CABSIN and the Latin American and Caribbean Center on Health Sciences Information of the Pan American Health Organization (BIREME-PAHO/WHO), will be presented. The tool synthesizes the scientific production on integrative practices applied to pediatrics and maps evidence gaps, supporting public policy decisions and safe clinical practice. Another highlight is the launch of the International Network of Integrative Pediatrics (INIP), which initially brings together leaders from 50 institutions in more than 15 countries.
SERVICE
3rd World Congress on Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine (3rd WCTCIM)
📅 October 15–18, 2025
📍 Riocentro Convention Center – Av. Salvador Allende, 6.555 – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
🔗 Registration: wctcim.cabsin.org.br/new/registration/
INTEGRATIVE PEDIATRICS AT THE 3rd WCTCIM
Wednesday, October 15
International Symposium on Integrative Pediatrics (Integrative Pediatric Track)
(Free participation upon registration for the 3rd WCTCIM)
- Opening: International Network of Integrative Pediatrics (INIP)
Ines von Rosenstiel (Netherlands), Jan Vagedes (Germany), Ricardo Ghelman (Brazil), Sonia Venancio (Brazilian Ministry of Health), Shiu-Lin Tsai (AAP, USA) - Keynote lecture
Global challenges in child health – Tido von Schoen-Angerer (Switzerland)
What are the major evidence-based clinical effectiveness outcomes of Integrative Pediatrics? – Ricardo Ghelman (Brazil)
Wednesday, October 15 (Continued)
- Session 1 – International Scenario in Integrative Pediatrics
Chair: Sunita Vohra (Canada)
Speakers: Darong Wu (China), Michelle Loy (USA), Ines von Rosenstiel (Netherlands), Mohammed Saleh Abdallah (Tanzania), Ricardo Ghelman (Brazil) - Session 2 – Lifestyle, Chronic Diseases and Integrative Pediatrics
Speakers: Elena Ladas (USA), Juliana Gatti (Brazil), Steven Schepanski (Germany), Fabio Carmona (Brazil) - Session 3 – Challenges in Pediatrics: Research and Experiences
Chair: Ines von Rosenstiel (Netherlands)
Speakers: Gajagopala (India), Jan Vagedes (Germany), Fabiola Stollar (Switzerland), Cristine Maria de Lima Andrade (Brazil) - Session 4 – How do I treat asthma?
Chair: Márcia Yamamura (Brazil)
Speakers: Judit Wesseling (Netherlands), André L. Salcedo Gomes (Brazil), Jan Vagedes (Germany), Shiu-Lin Tsai (USA), V.G. Huddar (India)
Official launch of the International Network of Integrative Pediatrics (INIP) during the opening ceremony of the 3rd WCTCIM.
Thursday, October 16
- Panel: How do I treat Acute Viral Infections?
Chair: Fabiola Stollar (Switzerland)
Speakers: Xi L. (China), Henrik Szöke (Hungary), Alexandre Aldred (Brazil)
Friday, October 17
- Plenary: TCIM across the life course
Speaker: Sunita Vohra (Canada) – TCIM for childhood - Panel: Integrative Pediatrics
Chair: Sunita Vohra (Canada)
Speakers: Shiu-Lin Tsai (USA), Ricardo Ghelman (Brazil), Ines von Rosenstiel (Netherlands), Jan Vagedes (Germany) - Panel: Pediatric Gut-Brain Disorders
Chair: Shaija Kutty (USA/India)
Speakers: Melanie Brown (USA), Erika Chiappini (USA), Sofia Wicker Velez (Mexico, remote)
Saturday, October 18
- Panel: Integrative Pediatric Oncology
Speakers: Alfred Längler (Germany), Esther Martínez García (Spain), Elena Ladas/Michelle Bombacie (USA), Shan Liu (China), Nilene Gouvea (NCI Brazil) - Abstract Session: Integrative Pediatrics & Neonatal Care
Presenters: Márcia Elisabeth Rodrigues (Brazil), Shan Liu (China), Mar Begara (Spain), Viviane Aleixo de Paula Xavier (Brazil), Lara de Carvalho Pinheiro (Brazil), Brenda Leung (Canada)
