Traditional medicine was in the spotlight during the 78th World Health Assembly, 19–27 May 2025 in Geneva, Switzerland, with delegates emphasizing research, innovation, regulation, equity and collaboration to accelerate the integration of traditional medicine in health systems around the world.
A major milestone was achieved on 26 May 2025, when the Member States agreed on the new WHO Global Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025–2034 to take forward the development of evidence-based practice of Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine (TCIM) into the next decade. In discussing the Strategy, Member States deliberated on crucial components for inclusion, such as establishing a robust evidence base for traditional medicine practices, developing regulatory mechanisms for quality and safety, creating integrated health-care service delivery models where appropriate, and ensuring qualified practitioners.
With the Strategy, the Assembly explicitly recognized not only the role of traditional knowledge of indigenous peoples but also the importance of upholding their rights, while promoting environmental sustainability and biodiversity conservation in the context of TCIM.
Under the 2025-2034 Strategy, WHO will assist Member States in strengthening the evidence base for TCIM, bolstering safety, quality and effectiveness, and, where appropriate, facilitating its integration into health systems while optimizing cross-sector collaboration.
The adoption of the Strategy capped an intensive two-year process of global and regional consultations. During the process, Member States, WHO at all three levels, stakeholders and partners, including indigenous representatives and representatives of the World Intellectual Property Organization, provided over 1200 comments. Forty-seven interventions were made during the discussion at the Assembly . All statements were positive, encouraging and supportive of the new Strategy. In addition, there were four interventions from non-State actors.
Building momentum
The adoption of the Strategy followed a series of high-profile side events during this year's Assembly.
On 20 May 2025, ministers, global health leaders and experts gathered for the event titled "Improving Universal Health Coverage through the Implementation of the WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025–2034". hosted by China's National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine in collaboration with Malaysia, Nepal, Saudi Arabia and Seychelles. The event underscored global momentum behind the Strategy and emphasized China's influential contributions in policy, education, research and traditional medicine integration into the health-care system.
On 23 May 2025, India, together with 31 Member States of the Group of Friends of Traditional Medicine (GFTM), hosted a second official side event, entitled "Traditional Medicine: From Traditional Knowledge to Frontier Science, for Health for All". The event highlighted India as a role model and success story for the GFTM countries. With over 250 delegates in attendance, the event showcased national experiences and reaffirmed global commitment to traditional medicine.
