INDIA — The World Health Organisation (WHO) is set to convene a momentous event, the Traditional Medicine Global Summit, on August 17 and 18, 2023, in the vibrant city of Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India.
In an announcement, WHO disclosed that the summit, co-hosted in collaboration with the Government of India, will embark on a profound exploration of the role of traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine in tackling urgent health challenges while propelling advancements in global health and sustainable development.
Among the esteemed participants gracing this summit are WHO Director General, Regional Directors, G20 health ministers, and dignitaries from nations spanning WHO’s six regions.
The distinguished gathering will also feature scientists, practitioners of traditional medicine, healthcare professionals, and representatives from civil society organizations.
A central theme of the summit will be the exploration of avenues to amplify scientific progress and harness the potential of evidence-based knowledge in leveraging traditional medicine for the holistic well-being of individuals worldwide.
Leading experts and scholars will lead substantive discussions on various fronts, including research, evidence, and learning; policy, data, and regulation; innovation and digital health; as well as biodiversity, equity, and indigenous knowledge.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director General, emphasized, “Traditional medicine can play an important and catalytic role in achieving the goal of universal health coverage and meeting global health-related targets that were off-track, even before disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Bringing traditional medicine into the mainstream of health care – appropriately, effectively, and above all, safely based on the latest scientific evidence – can help bridge access gaps for millions of people around the world. It would be an important step toward people-centered and holistic approaches to health and well-being.”
The significance of including evidence-based traditional and complementary medicine services, particularly in primary healthcare, was acknowledged by Heads of State and government at the 2019 UN high-level meeting on universal health coverage.
This acknowledgment underscores the vital role of traditional medicine in the foundation of robust health systems, paving the way for comprehensive health for all.
The summit will delve into an array of topics, including the exploration of research and evaluation methodologies for traditional medicine.
It seeks to establish a global research agenda and priorities for traditional medicine while addressing challenges and opportunities that have emerged over the course of 25 years of research.
At the core of this endeavor lies the rich heritage of traditional, indigenous, and ancestral knowledge, which has served as a cornerstone of health practices within households and communities for centuries.
In contemporary times, this treasure trove of knowledge continues to play a vital role in healthcare across many regions.
Over 170 of WHO’s 194 Member States have reported the use of herbal medicines, acupuncture, yoga, indigenous therapies, and other traditional forms of medicine.
These practices are recognized as valuable sources of healthcare and have been seamlessly integrated into national health systems.
As the demand for compassionate, personalized, and culturally acceptable healthcare continues to grow, traditional medicine has taken on a global dimension.
For countless individuals, especially those residing in remote and rural areas, it remains their initial recourse for health and well-being.
This form of care is not only accessible and affordable but also embodies a profound connection to cultural heritage.
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