Optimization and simplification of the Allergic and Hypersensitivity conditions classification for the ICD-11

Background: Since 2013, an international collaboration of Allergy Academies, including first the World Allergy Organization (WAO), the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI), and the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI), and then the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI), the Latin American Society of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (SLAAI), and the Asia Pacific Association of Allergy, Asthma and Clinical Immunology (APAAACI), has spent tremendous efforts to have a better and updated classification of allergic and hypersensitivity conditions in the forthcoming International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-11 version by providing evidences and promoting actions for the need for changes. The latest action was the implementation of a classification proposal of hypersensitivity/allergic diseases built by crowdsourcing the Allergy Academy leaderships. Methods: Following bilateral discussions with the representatives of the ICD-11 revision, a face-to-face meeting was held at the United Nations Office in Geneva and a simplification process of the hypersensitivity/allergic disorders classification was carried out to better fit the ICD structure. Results: We are here presenting the end result of what we consider to be a model of good collaboration between the World Health Organization and a specialty. Conclusion: We strongly believe that the outcomes of all past and future actions will impact positively the recognition of the allergy specialty as well as the quality improvement of healthcare system for allergic and hypersensitivity conditions worldwide.