Traditional medicine and its contributions to science, health equity and sustainability
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World Health Organization
Abstract
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2 p.
The growing global recognition of traditional, complementary and integrative medicine highlights its potential to contribute to health equity, scientific innovation and sustainable development. This editorial introduces a thematic issue aligned with the WHO Global traditional medicine strategy 2025–2034 and the forthcoming global summit, examining how traditional medicine can be integrated into health systems to support universal health coverage and well-being . It outlines the need to strengthen the evidence base, ensure safety and efficacy, and adopt a broader understanding of health as a dynamic balance between individuals, communities and ecosystems. The editorial synthesizes contributions addressing data standardization, workforce development and system integration, including advances in classification systems and population-level data collection. It highlights widespread use of traditional medicine and its role alongside conventional care, while noting that limited research funding constrains evidence generation. Key challenges include safeguarding Indigenous rights, protecting knowledge systems and ensuring equitable benefit-sharing within evolving innovation and intellectual property frameworks. Safety is addressed in pharmacological, ecological and cultural terms, while emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence are considered both for their potential and associated ethical risks. The article underscores the importance of culturally grounded, rights-based and evidence-informed approaches to guide policy and implementation.
642
642A
The growing global recognition of traditional, complementary and integrative medicine highlights its potential to contribute to health equity, scientific innovation and sustainable development. This editorial introduces a thematic issue aligned with the WHO Global traditional medicine strategy 2025–2034 and the forthcoming global summit, examining how traditional medicine can be integrated into health systems to support universal health coverage and well-being . It outlines the need to strengthen the evidence base, ensure safety and efficacy, and adopt a broader understanding of health as a dynamic balance between individuals, communities and ecosystems. The editorial synthesizes contributions addressing data standardization, workforce development and system integration, including advances in classification systems and population-level data collection. It highlights widespread use of traditional medicine and its role alongside conventional care, while noting that limited research funding constrains evidence generation. Key challenges include safeguarding Indigenous rights, protecting knowledge systems and ensuring equitable benefit-sharing within evolving innovation and intellectual property frameworks. Safety is addressed in pharmacological, ecological and cultural terms, while emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence are considered both for their potential and associated ethical risks. The article underscores the importance of culturally grounded, rights-based and evidence-informed approaches to guide policy and implementation.
642
642A