India’s Major Investment in WHO's Global Traditional Medicine Centre

India has pledged USD 85 million over ten years to support the World Health Organisation's Global Traditional Medicine Centre in Gujarat. This commitment aims to strengthen the evidence base for traditional medicine. The initiative was formalized during a signing ceremony, with leaders from both India and WHO noting its global significance.

India has pledged USD 85 million over the next decade to bolster the World Health Organisation's Global Traditional Medicine Centre in Gujarat. The announcement, made official during a recent signing ceremony, marks a significant step in strengthening the global evidence base for traditional medicine.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus publicly praised India for its "strong commitment and investment" in traditional medicine, noting that the integration of such practices is crucial for achieving universal health coverage. Prime Minister Narendra Modi echoed these sentiments during the foundation stone-laying ceremony in Jamnagar, highlighting India's potential in this field.

The 10-year commitment from 2022 to 2032 will fund data and evidence collection on traditional medicine policies, practices, products, and public use. This initiative is part of a larger USD 250 million investment from India to support the establishment of the Centre. It aims to scale up WHO's capacities in traditional medicine across different regions, promoting global collaboration and solidarity.

(With inputs from agencies.)