Forty to 90 percent of populations across member states currently use traditional medicine, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Director of WHO’s Global Traditional Medicine Centre Shyama Kuruvilla, shared these figures ahead of the upcoming WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine.
With half the global population still lacking access to essential health services, traditional medicine often serves as the primary or sole healthcare option for many people. For others, this personalized, holistic care — deeply rooted in culture and nature-based remedies — remains a preferred path to overall well-being rather than just symptom treatment.
What Is Traditional Medicine?
Traditional medicine encompasses diverse practices and knowledge systems developed long before modern biomedicine. It focuses on restoring balance among mind, body, and environment through personalized, nature-centered approaches.
The growing global demand for traditional medicine is driven by increasing chronic diseases, mental health challenges, stress, and patients searching for meaningful healthcare experiences.
Despite this demand, less than 1 percent of global health research funding supports traditional medicine, highlighting an urgent need for investment and scientific validation.
The Second WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine
Scheduled for 17–19 December 2025 in New Delhi, India, and online, the summit will unite policy makers, healthcare practitioners, scientists, and Indigenous leaders worldwide. It aims to advance the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Strategy through 2034.
This strategy focuses on promoting evidence-based traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine while providing guidance on regulation and fostering multi-stakeholder collaboration to expand safe, effective access to traditional therapies.
“The Global Summit seeks to enable traditional medicine to contribute meaningfully and sustainably to global health and planetary well-being,” said Ms. Kuruvilla.
WHO’s New Initiatives Supporting Traditional Medicine
Alongside the summit, WHO will launch:
A Global Traditional Medicine Library: The world’s first digital platform containing over 1.6 million scientific records on traditional medicine.
A Traditional Medicine Data Network: Facilitating knowledge-sharing and collaboration among researchers and practitioners.
A Framework on Indigenous Knowledge, Biodiversity, and Health: Supporting the integration of Indigenous contributions to sustainable health solutions.
Q&A: Understanding WHO’s Traditional Medicine Efforts
Q: Why does such a large portion of the global population use traditional medicine?
A: Many lack access to essential biomedical services, and others prefer holistic, culturally aligned care that supports overall well-being.
Q: What is the goal of the WHO’s Global Traditional Medicine Strategy?
A: To advance science-based traditional and integrative medicine worldwide, improve regulation, and foster collaboration across sectors.
Q: How will the summit be conducted?
A: It will take place in New Delhi and virtually, engaging diverse stakeholders from government, academia, and Indigenous communities.
Q: What role does research funding play in traditional medicine?
A: Currently, less than 1% of health research funds traditional medicine, limiting its scientific development despite high global use.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What constitutes traditional medicine?
A1: Herbs, manual therapies, rituals, and health practices rooted in cultural heritage and natural resources predating modern biomedicine.
Q2: Who benefits most from traditional medicine globally?
A2: People in underserved regions with limited healthcare access and those seeking holistic, personalized healing approaches.
Q3: How will WHO’s new digital library help?
A3: It will provide open access to scientific research, support evidence-based policies, and assist practitioners worldwide.
Q4: How does the summit address Indigenous knowledge?
A4: Through dedicated frameworks ensuring indigenous contributions to health and biodiversity are respected and included.
Q5: When will the summit occur?
A5: From 17 to 19 December 2025 in New Delhi, with online participation options.
