During the 78th World Health Assembly, held from 19 to 27 May 2025 in Geneva, traditional medicine was in the spotlight.
Plan for the next 10 years
On May 26, 2025, WHO (World Health Organization) member states unanimously adopted the WHO Global Strategy for Traditional Medicine 2025–2034. Its goal is to advance traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine (TCIM) practices based on scientific evidence. The strategy outlines several key directions for action: building a solid evidence base for TCIM methods; introducing regulations to ensure the quality and safety of these methods; developing models of integrated healthcare incorporating TCIM practices; and preparing and certifying qualified practitioners.
The new strategy not only recognizes the crucial role of indigenous knowledge but also emphasizes the importance of protecting their rights, while also promoting sustainable development and biodiversity. It is a step toward combining tradition with modern medicine and building coherent healthcare systems that respond to the diverse needs of patients.
The document's adoption followed a two-year process of global and regional consultations. Over 1,200 participants submitted proposals and comments, from state representatives and WHO experts to representatives of indigenous peoples and the World Intellectual Property Organization.
What's next?
The adoption of the WHO Global Strategy for Traditional Medicine confirms that TCIM practices – based on research and appropriate regulation – can become an important pillar of health care systems. An integrative approach promotes equity and inclusivity, strengthening entire systems of care. At this stage, it will be crucial to increase trust in TCIM, develop scientific research in this area, and incorporate these practices into national health programs.
The next important step will be Second World Summit on Traditional Medicine WHO, which will take place in New Delhi from December 2–4, 2025. This event aims to unite experts, decision-makers, and practitioners around the strategy's objectives and accelerate its implementation through the exchange of experiences, research results, innovations, and best practices.
This strategy demonstrates that the world is moving toward a more holistic and sustainable medicine, where diverse medical traditions and practices, along with modern science, complement each other. This is an important step toward a future where patients and their well-being are at the center.
Based on:
https://www.who.int/news/item/02-06-2025-wha78–traditional-medicine-takes-centre-stage
