The World Health Organization (WHO) has released a special issue of its Bulletin dedicated to Traditional Medicine, marking the first thematic issue on this topic since 1977. Published ahead of the 2nd WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine scheduled from 17–29 December 2025 in New Delhi and online, the issue includes news items, original research, systematic reviews, policy and practice papers, and perspective pieces. It examines the integration of traditional medicine into primary health care, policy frameworks, Indigenous rights, traditional knowledge, and the use of artificial intelligence in health systems.
The Bulletin highlights a growing need for robust research on traditional medicine. The last thematic issue nearly five decades ago bridged the establishment of the WHO Traditional Medicine working group and the Alma-Ata conference, which recognized traditional medicine as essential to achieving health for all. Today, traditional medicine remains a vital health resource for billions, with the global wellness economy projected to grow from US$5.6 trillion in 2022 to US$8.5 trillion by 2027. Despite this, less than 1% of global health research funding is dedicated to traditional medicine, underscoring the need for stronger scientific evidence and regulatory frameworks to ensure safe, people-centred integration into national health systems, in line with the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025–2034.
The Bulletin emphasizes the potential of combining traditional medicine with modern scientific inquiry to achieve breakthroughs in health and well-being. Key topics explored include global research funding, treatment of specific conditions, regional applications, integration into primary health care, regulatory and evidence requirements, Indigenous Peoples’ rights, equitable knowledge exchange, intellectual property, artificial intelligence, and policy implications. Traditional medicine is portrayed not only as a set of therapies but as a holistic worldview emphasizing harmony within individuals, communities, and ecosystems, making its balanced integration a scientific, rights-based, and sustainability imperative.
The forthcoming WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine will focus on the issues highlighted in the Bulletin under the theme “Restoring balance: The science and practice of health and well-being.” The Summit aims to advance the Global Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025–2034, showcasing the latest evidence, innovations, and policy developments. Critical topics include health system integration and regulation, respectful engagement with Indigenous knowledge, biodiversity preservation, intellectual property, and frontier technologies. The event will feature presentations of new products, collaborations, and initiatives, along with concrete pledges and commitments, with selected sessions streamed online for global participation.
