The Growing Global Embrace of Traditional Medicine

Traditional medicine, encompassing both codified systems like Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine and non-codified practices passed down through generations, represents a cornerstone of healthcare for a vast majority of the world’s population. For countless individuals, it offers locally accessible, affordable, and culturally resonant healthcare options. Remarkably, nearly 90% of WHO Member States – 170 out of 194 – report that between 40% and 90% of their citizens utilize traditional medicine.

“WHO is committed to uniting the wisdom of millennia with the power of modern science and technology to realise the vision of health for all,” stated Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “By engaging responsibly, ethically, and equitably, and by harnessing innovation from AI to genomics, we can unlock the potential of traditional medicine to deliver safer, smarter, and more sustainable health solutions for every community and for our planet.”

Bridging the Healthcare Gap with Integrated Systems

The integration of traditional medicine is increasingly viewed as a critical strategy to address the global healthcare access crisis. Currently, 4.6 billion people – nearly half the world’s population – lack access to essential health services, and over 2 billion face financial hardship in obtaining care. Universal Health Coverage (UHC) remains a distant goal for many, and integrating TM offers a pathway to expand affordable, people-centered healthcare options.

Early evidence suggests that incorporating traditional medicine can lead to cost savings and improved patient outcomes. A key benefit lies in its emphasis on preventative care and health promotion, potentially reducing reliance on antibiotics and mitigating the rise of antimicrobial resistance. However, realizing these benefits requires a commitment to rigorous scientific evaluation and standardized quality control.

Dr. Sylvie Briand, WHO Chief Scientist, emphasized the need for scientific rigor: “We need to apply the same scientific rigour to the assessment and validation of biomedicine and traditional medicines, while respecting biodiversity, cultural specificities and ethical principles.” She highlighted the transformative potential of advanced technologies – including artificial intelligence, genomics, systems biology, and advanced data analytics – in advancing the study and application of traditional medicine.

Innovation, Sustainability, and Indigenous Knowledge

Traditional medicine forms the foundation of thriving global industries, particularly in the realm of herbal remedies. Remarkably, all traditional medicine formulations, and over half of modern pharmaceuticals, originate from natural resources. This underscores the vital importance of biodiversity conservation and the protection of Indigenous knowledge.

Indigenous Peoples, who represent just 6% of the global population, safeguard approximately 40% of the world’s biodiversity. Therefore, advancing traditional medicine necessitates a commitment to Indigenous rights, fair trade practices, and equitable benefit-sharing.

Despite its widespread use and ecological significance, traditional medicine receives less than 1% of global health research funding. To address this disparity, the WHO is launching the Traditional Medicine Global Library, a groundbreaking resource containing over 1.6 million scientific records encompassing research, policies, regulations, and diverse TM applications. This library, developed in response to calls from G20 and BRICS nations, will provide equitable access to peer-reviewed content for institutions in lower-income countries through the Research4Life initiative.

“Advancing traditional medicine is an evidence-based, ethical and environmental imperative,” said Dr. Shyama Kuruvilla, Director a.i. of WHO’s Global Traditional Medicine Centre. “The Global Summit fosters the conditions and collaborations required for TM to contribute at scale to the flourishing of all people and the planet.”

But what role can technology play in preserving and validating traditional knowledge systems? And how can we ensure that the benefits of traditional medicine are shared equitably with the communities that have safeguarded this knowledge for generations?

Frequently Asked Questions About Traditional Medicine

1. What is traditional medicine, and how does it differ from conventional medicine?
   Traditional medicine encompasses health practices, approaches, knowledge, and beliefs incorporating plant, animal, and mineral-based medicines, spiritual therapies, manual techniques, and exercises, often rooted in cultural traditions. It differs from conventional medicine, which is based on scientific principles and evidence-based practices.
2. How can integrating traditional medicine improve access to healthcare?
   Integrating traditional medicine can expand access to affordable and culturally appropriate healthcare, particularly in underserved communities where conventional medical services are limited.
3. What steps are being taken to ensure the safety and efficacy of traditional medicine practices?
   The WHO is advocating for rigorous scientific evaluation, standardized quality control, and robust regulatory mechanisms to ensure the safety and efficacy of traditional medicine practices.
4. What is the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025–2034?
   This strategy provides a roadmap for integrating traditional medicine into health systems, promoting research, strengthening regulation, and fostering collaboration to achieve universal health coverage.
5. How does the Traditional Medicine Global Library support research and innovation?
   The library provides equitable access to a vast collection of scientific records, policies, and regulations, empowering researchers and policymakers to advance the field of traditional medicine.
6. What role do Indigenous communities play in the future of traditional medicine?
   Indigenous communities are the custodians of invaluable traditional knowledge and play a crucial role in the sustainable use and conservation of biodiversity, ensuring the ethical and equitable development of traditional medicine.