Latest Delhi, India – The World Health Organization (WHO) is convening its Second Global Summit on Traditional Medicine, beginning today and running through December 19, 2025, in New Delhi, in collaboration with the Government of India. The summit brings together a diverse group of over 100 countries, including government ministers, scientists, Indigenous leaders, and practitioners, to accelerate the integration of traditional medicine into global healthcare systems. This meeting focuses on advancing the implementation of the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025–2034, emphasizing stronger evidence, improved regulation, and collaborative approaches to healthcare.
The increasing global reliance on traditional medicine – encompassing both codified and non-codified systems predating modern biomedicine – is a key driver behind this renewed focus. For a significant portion of the world’s population, traditional medicine remains the primary source of healthcare, offering locally accessible, affordable, and culturally relevant options. According to WHO data, nearly 90% of its Member States (170 out of 194) report that between 40% and 90% of their populations utilize traditional medicine. This widespread use underscores the need for a more integrated and scientifically grounded approach to its practice, and research.
Bridging the Gap: Evidence, Regulation, and Access
A central challenge lies in expanding access to healthcare, particularly in regions where essential services are limited. Currently, 4.6 billion people – nearly half the global population – lack access to essential health services, and over 2 billion experience financial hardship in accessing care, according to the WHO. Integrating traditional medicine into existing health systems is seen as a critical step towards achieving universal health coverage (UHC) and reducing financial burdens on individuals.
Emerging evidence suggests that integrating traditional medicine can lead to cost efficiencies and improved health outcomes. This integration isn’t simply about adding traditional practices; it’s about a holistic approach that emphasizes preventative care and health promotion, potentially leading to more judicious use of antibiotics and other conventional treatments. But, achieving this requires a commitment to rigorous scientific evaluation, global quality and safety standards, and robust regulatory frameworks.
“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,” stated Dr. Sylvie Briand, WHO Chief Scientist. She emphasized the potential of leveraging advanced technologies – including artificial intelligence (AI), genomics, systems biology, and advanced data analytics – to transform the study and application of traditional medicine.
Harnessing Innovation and Protecting Indigenous Knowledge
Traditional medicine underpins a rapidly growing global industry, particularly in the realm of herbal medicines. All traditional medicine formulations, and more than half of biomedical pharmaceuticals, originate from natural resources, highlighting their continued importance in drug discovery. Recognizing this, the summit will address the crucial role of Indigenous Peoples, who safeguard around 40% of the world’s biodiversity while representing only 6% of the global population. Advancing traditional medicine, necessitates addressing Indigenous rights, promoting fair trade practices, and ensuring equitable benefit-sharing.
Despite its widespread use and vital role in preserving biodiversity, research funding dedicated to traditional medicine remains remarkably low – less than 1% of global health research funding. To address this gap, the WHO is launching the Traditional Medicine Global Library, a comprehensive resource featuring over 1.6 million scientific records encompassing research, policies, regulations, and diverse applications of traditional medicine. Developed in response to calls from Heads of State during the 2023 G20 and BRICS meetings, the Library will provide equitable online access to peer-reviewed content for institutions in lower-income countries through the Research4Life initiative, supporting both intellectual property protection and the development of scientific capacity.
A New Resource for Global Research
The Traditional Medicine Global Library aims to be a pivotal resource for researchers and practitioners worldwide. It will support countries in documenting traditional medicine practices, protecting intellectual property, and building the scientific capacity needed to drive innovation. The library’s launch represents a significant step towards bridging the knowledge gap and fostering a more evidence-based approach to traditional medicine.
“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 in New Delhi is expected to yield new commitments from governments and stakeholders, alongside a call for a global consortium to address systemic gaps and accelerate the implementation of the Global Traditional Medicine Strategy. This collaborative effort aims to unlock the full potential of traditional medicine, delivering safer, smarter, and more sustainable health solutions for communities worldwide.
As the summit progresses, further details regarding specific commitments and initiatives will be released. The WHO will continue to provide updates on the implementation of the Global Traditional Medicine Strategy and the progress made towards integrating traditional medicine into global healthcare systems.
Disclaimer: This article provides information for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice. It is essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.
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