WHO Highlights Traditional Medicine as Key Pillar of Future Global Healthcare at WHA79

During the World Health Assembly events in Geneva, WHO officials emphasized that traditional medicine remains one of the most widely used forms of healthcare globally.

Traditional medicine took centre stage at the 79th World Health Assembly (WHA79) as global health leaders, policymakers, researchers, youth advocates, and investors gathered to discuss its growing role in building more inclusive, sustainable, and resilient healthcare systems.

Through a series of high-level events convened by the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre, experts explored how traditional medicine can contribute to universal health coverage, biodiversity protection, innovation, and climate resilience while advancing the goals of the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025–2034.

The discussions reflected a major shift in international health policy, with traditional medicine increasingly being recognized not as a marginal practice, but as a central component of healthcare systems used by billions of people worldwide.

WHO Says Traditional Medicine Is Widely Used Globally

During the World Health Assembly events in Geneva, WHO officials emphasized that traditional medicine remains one of the most widely used forms of healthcare globally.

Dr Shyama Kuruvilla, Acting Director of the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre, noted that approximately 90 percent of countries report the use of traditional medicine by between 40 and 90 percent of their populations.

She explained that traditional medicine is often the primary healthcare option or preferred choice for millions of people, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where access to modern medical systems may be limited.

Despite its widespread use, WHO officials highlighted that less than one percent of global health research funding is currently directed toward traditional medicine research and scientific validation.

WHO Pushes for Scientific Research and Regulation

WHO Chief Scientist Dr Sylvie Briand stressed that traditional medicine should neither be rejected outright nor accepted without scientific evaluation.

She explained that WHO is supporting countries in strengthening the evidence base, regulation, and quality assurance systems surrounding traditional medicine while also respecting its holistic and person-centred approach.

According to WHO, the new Global Traditional Medicine Strategy seeks to:

• Strengthen scientific research on traditional medicine

• Improve regulation and quality standards

• Support safe integration into primary healthcare systems

• Expand international cooperation

• Protect traditional knowledge and biodiversity

• Promote innovation and responsible use of new technologies

Health experts say this balanced approach is essential for ensuring patient safety while preserving valuable cultural and medical knowledge developed over centuries.

Investment and Innovation Gain Momentum

One of the major themes discussed during the assembly was the growing interest in financing and innovation related to traditional medicine.

At a special session titled Traditional Medicine Innovation for Health Impact: Financing, Collaboration, and Future Pathways, representatives from governments, private investors, regulators, and international organizations discussed ways to scale traditional medicine responsibly through strategic partnerships and investment.

Panel discussions highlighted the need for blended financing models combining:

• Venture capital

• Philanthropic funding

• Government support

• International development assistance

Experts noted that traditional medicine often faces barriers including costly clinical validation processes and fragmented regulatory systems across countries.

Participants stressed that stronger investment frameworks are needed to support research, innovation, and responsible commercialization while protecting traditional knowledge and local communities.

Artificial Intelligence Emerging in Traditional Medicine

The rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI) was another major topic during WHA79 discussions.

At an official side event led by the Government of India along with Thailand, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and other countries, participants explored how AI could transform traditional medicine research, diagnostics, and healthcare delivery.

WHO officials emphasized the importance of building strong governance systems and ethical safeguards to ensure AI is used responsibly.

Dr Kuruvilla highlighted both the opportunities and risks associated with AI, particularly concerning the protection of traditional knowledge, biodiversity, and the rights of Indigenous communities.

Experts said AI could help analyze traditional medical data, identify therapeutic compounds, and improve access to healthcare knowledge, but warned against misuse or exploitation of Indigenous medical traditions.

Traditional Medicine Linked to Climate and Biodiversity Protection

Another major focus of the assembly was the connection between traditional medicine, biodiversity conservation, and planetary health.

A dedicated event titled Traditional Medicine at the Nexus of Climate, Biodiversity, and Land Restoration emphasized that the survival of medicinal plants and traditional healing systems depends heavily on healthy ecosystems.

Cristina Romanelli, a consultant to the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre, warned that climate change, land degradation, and biodiversity loss are threatening medicinal plant species that communities rely on for healthcare and pharmaceutical discovery.

She described biodiversity as the foundation of both traditional medicine and modern biomedicine.

Speakers also highlighted the crucial role Indigenous Peoples play as global stewards of biodiversity and traditional knowledge systems.

WHO officials pointed to the upcoming WHO Framework on Respectful Engagement with Indigenous Peoples on Biodiversity, Health, and Traditional Knowledge Systems as an important step toward more inclusive global health governance.

Youth Leaders Call for Greater Role in Healthcare Policy

Youth leadership emerged as another key theme during the World Health Assembly events.

At a session focused on Youth Leadership to Advance Traditional Medicine for Equity and Access, young advocates, students, and civil society representatives called for stronger youth participation in health policymaking and traditional medicine education.

Participants emphasized the importance of integrating traditional medicine into professional healthcare training and improving public awareness to combat misinformation online.

Young leaders also stressed the growing connection between health, climate change, biodiversity, and cultural knowledge systems.

Government officials participating in the event, including health representatives from Lesotho and Ghana, acknowledged that young people are often underrepresented in national healthcare decision-making processes and pledged greater support for youth engagement.

WHO Academy Strengthens Global Learning Role

The WHO Academy and the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre are expected to play a growing role in advancing education, research, and collaboration related to traditional medicine.

WHO officials believe future healthcare systems will increasingly combine traditional and modern scientific approaches in more integrated ways.

Dr Briand suggested that over time, the distinction between traditional and conventional medicine may become less important as different forms of medical knowledge converge into more comprehensive healthcare systems.

Global health experts say the challenge moving forward will be ensuring that traditional medicine is developed responsibly through scientific evaluation, ethical partnerships, biodiversity protection, and respect for Indigenous knowledge.

As interest in traditional medicine continues to expand worldwide, WHO says international cooperation, research investment, and inclusive policymaking will be critical for unlocking its full potential in global healthcare.