WHO establishes Global Center for Traditional Medicine in India

Today, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Government of India signed an agreement to establish a WHO Global Center for Traditional Medicine. With a US$250 million investment from the Government of India, this global hub of knowledge in traditional medicine aims to harness the potential of traditional medicine for the benefit of the world through modern science and technology to improve the health of people and the planet.

It is estimated that 80% of the world's population uses traditional medicine. To date, 170 out of 194 WHO Member States have reported the use of traditional medicine, and their governments have asked WHO for support in building a body of compelling evidence and data on traditional medicine practices and products.

“For many millions of people around the world, traditional medicine is the first line of treatment for many diseases,” said WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “Giving everyone access to safe and effective treatment is an important part of WHO's mission, and this new center will help harness the power of science to strengthen the evidence base of traditional medicine. I am grateful to the Government of India for its support and we look forward to the success of this endeavor.”

The term "traditional medicine" refers to the total body of knowledge, skills and practices that have been used for a long time in indigenous and various other cultures to maintain health and to prevent, diagnose and treat physical and mental illness. It covers both ancient practices such as acupuncture, Ayurvedic medicine and herbal blends, as well as modern medicines.

However, to date, national health systems and policies have not yet fully integrated the millions of traditional medicine workers, accredited courses, medical institutions, and health care expenditures in traditional medicine.

“It is gratifying to learn about the signing of an agreement with the host country on the establishment of the Global Center for Traditional Medicine (GTsNM). The agreement between the Ministry of ASH and the World Health Organization (WHO) to establish the WHO GCNM in Jamnagar, Gujarat is a commendable initiative,” said HE Mr. Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India.

“Through various initiatives, our government is constantly striving to make preventive and curative healthcare affordable and accessible to all. Let the Jamnagar Global Center help deliver the best healthcare solutions to the world.”

Traditional medicine also occupies an increasingly prominent place in the world of modern science.

Around 40% of approved pharmaceuticals currently in use are derived from natural substances, highlighting the vital importance of biodiversity and sustainability. For example, aspirin was discovered using willow bark in traditional medicine, birth control pills were developed from the roots of the wild yam plant, and rose periwinkle was used to treat cancer in children. The Nobel Prize-winning research into artemisinin to fight malaria began with an examination of ancient Chinese medical texts.

There is an active modernization of methods for studying traditional medicine. Artificial intelligence is now being used for in-depth analysis of factual materials and trends in traditional medicine, as well as for the study of natural products for their pharmacokinetic properties. Functional magnetic resonance imaging is used to study brain activity and the relaxation response, which is part of a number of traditional medicine therapies, such as meditation and yoga, that are increasingly being used to support mental health and well-being during times of stress.

In addition, the ways in which traditional medicine is used are being updated through mobile applications, online classes, and other technologies.

A new WHO center will open in Jamnagar, Gujarat, India. Jamnagar will play a centralizing role, and a new center is being created to ensure interaction and benefits at the level of all regions of the world.

Its activities will focus on building a strong evidence base for developing policies and standards for traditional medicine methods and products, helping countries integrate them into national health systems, and managing their quality and safety for optimal and sustainable impact.

The new center focuses on four main strategic areas: evidence and learning; data collection and analytics; sustainability and equity; innovations and technologies to optimize the contribution of traditional medicine to global health and sustainable development.