World Health Assembly to develop new WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy

In its 76th session in Geneva 21-30 May, the World Health Assembly adopted a decision to develop a new global strategy on traditional medicine, 2025-2034.

The decision recognises the reported use of traditional and complementary medicine during the COVID-19 pandemic in several Member States and the efforts of Member States to evaluate through an evidence-based approach the potential of traditional and complementary medicine, including in health system preparedness and response to health emergencies.

Member states unanimously supported this decision, highlighting the need for continuous action in the field of Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Healthcare (TCIH) to achieve Universal Health Coverage. For the first time, stakeholders will be included in the drafting process along national governments of WHO member states.

In the meantime WHO’s current traditional medicine strategy (2014-2023) has been extended to 2025, when the new draft strategy will be submitted to the World Health Assembly for consideration.

ECHAMP welcomes this decision. It is also supported by the People’s Declaration for Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Healthcare (TCIH Declaration), an international coalition which represents over 300 professional and patient organisations, research and research institutes and is dedicated to advocating for the benefits and integration of TCIH approaches in global healthcare systems.  It advocates that the integration of TCIH into primary healthcare and mainstream healthcare systems can lead to improved health outcomes and holistic well-being for individuals and communities worldwide. The TCIH Coalition confirms it will actively participate with its expertise in the drafting process of the new Traditional Medicine Strategy and will advocate for evidence-based approaches, quality standards, and regulatory frameworks that uphold patient safety and promote the integration of TCIH within national healthcare systems.