WHO Convenes Second Global Summit to Advance Traditional Medicine Integration

The World Health Organization is hosting its second Global Summit focused on advancing evidence-based approaches, integration, and innovation in traditional medicine, bringing together global leaders, researchers, and practitioners to shape the future of healthcare that bridges ancient wisdom with modern science.The summit represents a significant milestone in the WHO's ongoing efforts to position traditional medicine within contemporary healthcare systems whilst maintaining rigorous scientific standards. This year's gathering builds upon the foundations established during the inaugural summit, expanding both scope and ambition.Traditional medicine, practised across cultures for millennia, remains the primary healthcare source for millions worldwide, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The WHO recognises both its cultural significance and potential therapeutic value when properly evaluated and integrated.The three pillars of this year's summit—evidence, integration, and innovation—reflect the organisation's comprehensive approach to traditional medicine. Each pillar addresses distinct challenges and opportunities in bringing traditional practices into mainstream healthcare conversations.Evidence generation stands as perhaps the most critical pillar. Despite centuries of traditional use, many practices lack the rigorous clinical trial data demanded by modern regulatory frameworks. The summit is exploring methodologies for evaluating traditional medicines that respect both scientific rigour and traditional knowledge systems.Integration presents equally complex challenges. Successfully incorporating traditional medicine into national healthcare systems requires careful attention to workforce training, quality control, regulatory frameworks, and patient safety. Several countries participating in the summit are sharing experiences from their integration efforts.Innovation in traditional medicine extends beyond product development to include delivery models, quality assurance systems, and sustainable sourcing practices. The summit is showcasing technological advances that can enhance traditional medicine production whilst preserving authenticity.The global traditional medicine market has grown substantially in recent decades, driven by consumer interest in natural products and holistic approaches to health. This growth brings both opportunities for economic development and challenges regarding quality control and intellectual property.Intellectual property considerations feature prominently in summit discussions. Traditional knowledge holders often lack protection for medicinal discoveries that pharmaceutical companies may subsequently develop into commercial products. The WHO is facilitating dialogue on fair benefit-sharing mechanisms.Patient safety remains paramount throughout traditional medicine discussions. The summit is addressing quality control challenges, including contamination, adulteration, and variable potency in traditional medicine products. Standardisation efforts aim to ensure consistent, safe products reach consumers.The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted both interest in and challenges regarding traditional medicine. Some traditional remedies gained global attention during the pandemic, underscoring the need for rapid yet rigorous evaluation mechanisms for traditional interventions in health emergencies.Digital health technologies are increasingly relevant to traditional medicine. Mobile applications for traditional medicine information, telemedicine consultations with traditional healers, and blockchain systems for supply chain transparency represent emerging innovations discussed at the summit.Workforce development represents another critical theme. Training programmes that equip traditional medicine practitioners with complementary biomedical knowledge whilst respecting traditional learning methods are showing promise in several countries.Research collaboration between traditional knowledge holders and academic institutions requires careful navigation. The summit is exploring ethical frameworks that protect traditional knowledge whilst enabling valuable scientific investigation.Regulatory approaches to traditional medicine vary dramatically across countries. Some nations have fully integrated traditional medicine into their healthcare systems, whilst others maintain strict separation. The WHO is documenting these diverse approaches to inform policy development.Sustainability considerations extend to sourcing of traditional medicine ingredients. Many medicinal plants face extinction threats from overharvesting and habitat loss. The summit is highlighting sustainable cultivation and wild harvesting practices.Youth engagement in traditional medicine represents both a challenge and opportunity. The summit includes programming aimed at attracting young researchers and practitioners to ensure traditional medicine knowledge continues across generations.The WHO's Traditional Medicine Strategy provides the policy framework for these efforts. The strategy recognises traditional medicine's potential contribution to universal health coverage when properly regulated and integrated.Partnerships between governments, research institutions, traditional knowledge holders, and industry are essential for advancing the traditional medicine agenda. The summit is facilitating new connections and strengthening existing collaborations.Looking forward, the summit aims to establish concrete commitments and action plans that advance traditional medicine's role in global health. Participants are expected to agree on priority areas for investment, research, and policy development.