WHO Launches Initiative for Traditional Medicine Integration
Geneva, Friday, 31 October 2025.
The WHO’s new initiative on Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Medicine aims to improve health outcomes by integrating traditional practices into modern healthcare systems, promoting universal coverage.
Strategic Framework for Integrating Traditional Medicine
The World Health Organization (WHO) has recently launched a strategic initiative to integrate Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Medicine (TCIM) into modern healthcare systems worldwide. This initiative is part of WHO’s broader efforts to enhance health outcomes and promote universal health coverage by leveraging the rich heritage of traditional medicine. The initiative emphasizes the importance of evidence-based practices and aims to develop robust guidelines that will aid in the integration of traditional medicine into national health policies [1][2].
Global Impact and Long-Term Goals
WHO’s initiative is expected to have a significant impact on global health systems, particularly in regions where traditional medicine is already a cornerstone of healthcare. For instance, in Africa, traditional medicine constitutes about 80% of primary healthcare services. The initiative encourages member states to develop national policies that support the safe and effective use of TCIM. By doing so, WHO aims to bridge the gap between traditional practices and conventional medicine, fostering a holistic approach to patient care that is both inclusive and effective [1][3].
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite the potential benefits, integrating traditional medicine into modern healthcare systems presents several challenges. One of the primary obstacles is the lack of scientific validation for many traditional practices, which affects their acceptance in the mainstream medical community. To address this, WHO plans to facilitate collaboration between traditional and conventional healthcare practitioners and promote research that will provide the necessary evidence to support the integration of TCIM [3][4].
Looking Ahead: The Future of Traditional Medicine
As part of its long-term strategy, WHO intends to establish a comprehensive framework for the integration of traditional medicine by 2028. This framework will include guidelines for research, training, and policy development to ensure that traditional medicine practices are safe, effective, and culturally sensitive. The initiative also seeks to promote knowledge exchange and partnerships at the global level, which are crucial for the sustainable development of traditional medicine practices worldwide [2][4].