The second World Health Organization (WHO) Global Summit on Traditional Medicine concluded in New Delhi today, marking a significant milestone in global health. The event attracted over 16,000 online registrations and brought together 800 delegates from more than 100 countries, including ministers from over 20 nations. This summit served as a platform for the international traditional medicine community to discuss how traditional practices can enhance health systems with safe, evidence-based, and affordable care.
The atmosphere in New Delhi was vibrant as ministers, scientists, Indigenous leaders, and practitioners united to promote the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025–2034. The focus of the summit extended beyond mere dialogue; it was a call to action. Among the highlights was the unveiling of the Traditional Medicine Global Library (TMGL), a pioneering digital platform that consolidates 1.6 million resources on traditional medicine, including scientific studies and Indigenous knowledge. The TMGL features advanced tools such as Evidence Gap Maps and an AI-powered tool known as TMGL GPT, aimed at improving access to reliable information and accelerating global research.
Innovation was a key theme as the summit launched the Health & Heritage Innovations (H2I) initiative. This project aims to cultivate groundbreaking ideas that connect traditional practices with modern technologies, including artificial intelligence, genomics, and digital health. Out of over 1,000 submissions, 21 finalists were chosen to participate in a year-long acceleration program designed to refine prototypes, receive scientific and regulatory guidance, and connect with policymakers and investors.
In addition, WHO announced the formation of the Strategic and Technical Advisory Group on Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine (STAG-TM), a new advisory body consisting of 19 independent experts. This group will guide the Global Strategy by shaping research priorities, developing standards, and advising on the integration of traditional medicine into health systems. During its inaugural meeting at the summit, STAG-TM identified urgent priorities, including evidence generation, preservation of traditional knowledge, digital innovation, and capacity building.
The summit culminated in the adoption of the Delhi Declaration, with commitments from 26 Member States, highlighting a new era for traditional medicine. This agreement focuses on integrating traditional medicine into primary health care, enhancing regulation and safety standards, investing in research, and establishing interoperable data systems to track health outcomes. The shift represents a move from recognition to tangible results, ensuring that traditional medicine becomes a vital component of universal health coverage.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, emphasized the importance of traditional medicine in addressing modern health challenges. He stated, “Through the Delhi Commitment, countries have agreed not only on why traditional medicine matters – but on how to act. Traditional medicine can help to address many of the threats to health of our modern world: the growing burden of noncommunicable diseases; inequitable access to health services; and climate change.”
Looking ahead, WHO plans to collaborate with Member States to implement these commitments, scaling access to reliable knowledge, accelerating innovation, and embedding traditional medicine within health systems globally. The Global Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025–2034 sets a bold vision for a future where health care is more inclusive, culturally grounded, and resilient.
