WHO's Global Summit advances evidence-based integration of traditional medicine

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-GeneralWHO is committed to uniting the wisdom of millennia with the power of modern science and technology to realize the vision of health for all. 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."

Strengthening evidence, regulation and integration of TM into health systems

Emerging evidence indicates that integrating TM into health systems can deliver cost efficiencies and improve health outcomes. Such integration emphasizes prevention and health promotion, contributing to broader health benefits such as more appropriate use of antibiotics.

Achieving effective integration requires robust science, global standards for quality and safety, and strong regulatory mechanisms. "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," said Dr. Sylvie Briand, WHO Chief Scientist. "Stronger collaborations and frontier technologies – such as AI, genomics, systems biology, neurosciences and advanced data analytics – can transform how we study and apply traditional medicine."

Advancing innovation, investment and sustainable benefits

TM underpins fast-growing global industries, such as herbal medicines. All TM formulations, and more than half of biomedical pharmaceuticals, originate from natural resources, which remain a vital source for new drug discovery. Indigenous Peoples safeguard around 40% of the world's biodiversity while representing just 6% of the global population. Advancing TM requires addressing Indigenous rights, fair trade, and benefit-sharing considerations.

"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."

The Summit (17–19 December 2025, New Delhi) will also announce new commitments from governments and other stakeholders, alongside a call for a global consortium to address systemic gaps and accelerate implementation of the Global TM Strategy at scale.

Source:

The World Health Organization