Imagine a world where ancient healing traditions merge with cutting-edge science to revolutionize healthcare. That’s exactly what’s happening right now, as the World Health Organization (WHO) kicks off its second Global Summit on Traditional Medicine, co-hosted by the Government of India. But here’s where it gets controversial: while traditional medicine (TM) has been a lifeline for billions, its integration into modern health systems is still met with skepticism in some circles. Why? And how can we bridge this gap? Let’s dive in.
This landmark event brings together a diverse crowd—government ministers, scientists, Indigenous leaders, and practitioners from over 100 countries—all united by a shared goal: to elevate traditional medicine through evidence, integration, and innovation. The Summit is set to unveil groundbreaking scientific initiatives and commitments aligned with the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025–2034. At its core? Stronger evidence, better regulation, seamless systems integration, and community engagement. But this is the part most people miss: TM isn’t just an alternative—for nearly 90% of WHO Member States, it’s the primary or preferred healthcare choice for 40–90% of their populations. Why? Because it’s accessible, affordable, and culturally rooted.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, puts it powerfully: ‘WHO 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 leveraging AI, genomics, and other innovations, we can unlock TM’s potential to deliver safer, smarter, and more sustainable health solutions. But here’s the question: Can we truly balance tradition and technology without losing the essence of what makes TM unique?
In a world where 4.6 billion people lack access to essential health services and over 2 billion face financial hardship just to get care, integrating TM into health systems isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a necessity. Emerging evidence shows that TM can reduce costs, improve outcomes, and emphasize prevention. For instance, its focus on health promotion could lead to more responsible antibiotic use, tackling the global issue of antibiotic resistance. Yet, effective integration demands rigorous science, global quality standards, and robust regulation. Dr. Sylvie Briand, WHO Chief Scientist, highlights the need for ‘the same scientific rigor applied to both biomedicine and traditional medicines, while respecting biodiversity and cultural ethics.’ But how do we ensure fairness in this process, especially for Indigenous communities who safeguard 40% of the world’s biodiversity?
And this is where it gets even more intriguing: TM isn’t just about health—it’s a fast-growing global industry. Herbal medicines, for example, are a multi-billion-dollar market, and over half of biomedical drugs originate from natural resources. Yet, less than 1% of global health research funding goes to TM. To address this, WHO is launching the Traditional Medicine Global Library, a first-of-its-kind resource with over 1.6 million scientific records. Developed in response to calls from G20 and BRICS leaders, it provides equitable access to research for lower-income countries and supports intellectual property protections for TM knowledge. But here’s the debate: How do we ensure Indigenous communities benefit fairly from this commercialization?
Dr. Shyama Kuruvilla, Director a.i. of WHO’s Global Traditional Medicine Centre, calls it an ‘evidence-based, ethical, and environmental imperative.’ The Summit aims to foster collaborations that allow TM to contribute meaningfully to global health and sustainability. But here’s the final thought: As we advance TM, are we doing enough to honor its origins and protect the rights of those who’ve preserved this knowledge for generations?
The Summit, held in New Delhi from December 17–19, 2025, will also see governments and stakeholders pledge new commitments and call for a global consortium to accelerate the TM Strategy. But we want to hear from you: Is traditional medicine the future of healthcare, or does it risk being overshadowed by modern science? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a conversation!
