WHO Sees Treasure in Tradition: Global Push for Traditional Medicine

Global Summit in New Delhi  
Held from December 17-19, 2025, the summit brought together global leaders, researchers, and policymakers to discuss how traditional medicine can complement modern healthcare. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus praised India’s leadership and vision of “One Earth, One Health,” emphasizing the importance of balance between people and nature.  

Notable updates  
• WHO launched the Traditional Medicine Global Library, a new resource to strengthen research and knowledge-sharing  
• Guided by the Global Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025-2034, focusing on regulation, integration, and biodiversity preservation  
• Indigenous knowledge systems recognized as vital for sustainable health solutions  
• WHO stressed evidence-based validation of traditional practices to ensure safety and efficacy  

Impact on Global Health  
This initiative underscores WHO’s commitment to bridging ancient wisdom with modern science. By integrating traditional medicine into global health strategies, the organization aims to expand treatment options, preserve biodiversity, and foster cultural respect while ensuring rigorous scientific evaluation.  

Sources: WHO official release, WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine, PAHO/WHO announcement