Global Summit in New Delhi
On December 17, the second Global Summit of the WHO dedicated to traditional medicine began in New Delhi, organized jointly with the Indian government. The event features ministers, scientists, representatives of indigenous peoples, and practitioners from over 100 countries.
During the forum, major scientific initiatives and new commitments aimed at accelerating the implementation of the WHO Global Strategy on Traditional Medicine for 2025-2034 are expected to be announced. The strategy focuses on strengthening the evidence base, improving regulation, integrating into health systems, as well as collaboration and community engagement.
Methods of Traditional Medicine
Methods of traditional medicine have a long history predating the emergence of modern biomedicine and continue to evolve. For many people, it is the only accessible option for receiving medical care, which is affordable and familiar. Some, even when having access to modern medical services, prefer more "natural" approaches to health care.
The WHO aims to combine ancient wisdom with modern scientific achievements
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus noted: “The WHO aims to combine the wisdom of millennia with the capabilities of modern science and technology to ensure universal access to health services. A responsible and ethical approach, as well as the use of innovations such as artificial intelligence and genomics, allow us to unlock the potential of traditional medicine and offer safer and more sustainable solutions in health care.”
Scientific Foundations
Given the growing challenges for health systems, around 4.6 billion people worldwide lack access to essential health services, and more than 2 billion people face financial difficulties in obtaining necessary care.
Integrating traditional medicine into health systems is key to expanding access to services that are people-centered and do not create financial burdens. This can lead to cost savings and improved disease prevention, as well as more rational use of antibiotics.
Effective integration requires a solid scientific foundation, high standards of quality and safety, as well as reliable regulatory mechanisms. “The same scientific criteria must be applied to assess methods of both biomedicine and traditional medicine, taking into account biodiversity and cultural specifics,” added WHO Chief Scientist Soumya Swaminathan. She also emphasized the importance of collaboration and the application of modern technologies, such as artificial intelligence and systems biology, to study and utilize traditional medicine.
Innovative Approaches
Traditional medicine plays an important role in rapidly developing global sectors, such as the production of medicinal plants. Many drugs used in traditional medicine, as well as more than half of biomedical drugs, are based on natural resources, which remain a key source for developing new medications.
Indigenous peoples hold about 40% of the world's biodiversity while constituting only 6% of the global population. Recognizing the rights of indigenous peoples and ensuring fair benefit-sharing are important aspects of promoting traditional medical practices.
Establishing a Global Library
Despite the widespread use of traditional medicine and its significance for public health, less than 1% of the global health research budget is allocated to this area. In response to the lack of information, the WHO is launching a Global Library of Traditional Medicine – the first of its kind, which includes over 1.6 million publications on research, policy, and regulation of traditional treatment methods.
Support for traditional medicine is based on evidence, ethics, and environmental care
The library was established at the initiative of heads of state during the G20 and BRICS meetings in 2023. It provides equitable online access to peer-reviewed materials for institutions in low-income countries through the Research4Life initiative and helps countries document traditional medicine practices while protecting intellectual property and developing scientific capacity to stimulate innovation.
“Support for traditional medicine is a necessary step based on evidence, ethical principles, and environmental care,” noted Acting Director of the WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine Shyama Kuruvilla. “The Global Summit creates the conditions and partnerships necessary for the full contribution of traditional medicine to the well-being of humanity and the planet.”
