Pioneering Traditional Medicine: Highlights from the First WHO Global Summit in Gandhinagar
Ayurveda Post | August 2023
Namaste,
I am delighted to present this special issue of our newsletter- Ayurveda Post dedicated to documenting the seminal discussions and outcomes of the First WHO Traditional Medicine Global Summit held recently in Gandhi Nagar (India).
The Summit demonstrated the growing global recognition of India's vibrant tradition of Ayurveda and its role as host of the new WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine. I am confident this issue will serve as a valuable reference for all stakeholders - from governments to practitioners to researchers - seeking to transform traditional knowledge into affordable, effective and equitable solutions.
I thank you for your support in disseminating these significant developments that can pave the way for integrating holistic healing practices seamlessly into modern healthcare models worldwide.
Warm Regards,
Prof Abhimanyu Kumar
Chairman & CEO, Centre for Ayurveda Education, Innovation & Technology (CAYEIT)
First WHO Traditional Medicine Global Summit
The World Health Organization (WHO) held its first global summit on traditional medicine in Gandhinagar, India on August 17-18, 2023. The summit was organized in collaboration with India's Ministry of Ayush. This event comes after WHO established a Global Centre for Traditional Medicine in India in 2022, funded by the Indian government with $250 million.
The main agenda was integrating traditional medicine into national healthcare systems globally based on scientific evidence. Focus areas were prevention of health emergencies, pharmaceutical cooperation, and digital health innovations. Notable attendees included health ministers from G20 nations, WHO regional directors, and representatives from over 100 countries.
Inauguration:
The summit brought together WHO officials, traditional medicine practitioners, indigenous groups, policy makers and researchers from around the world. It was inaugurated by India's Health Minister, Ayush Minister, and WHO Director-General. The key topics discussed included gathering evidence on traditional healing systems, developing standards for herbal products, and researching holistic interventions like Yoga.
Objectives of the Summit
The WHO Traditional Medicine Global Summit aimed to catalyse renewed commitments and collective action towards facilitating the integration of traditional and complementary medicine globally. The key objectives included:
Sharing of best practices, data and new research on traditional therapies from diverse regions and medical systems.
Strategizing frameworks for generating robust scientific evidence on effectiveness, safety and quality of traditional medicines and practices.
Developing mechanisms for protecting biodiversity and indigenous knowledge through equitable benefit-sharing.
Harnessing opportunities of digital health and innovation to optimize traditional medicine's contribution to universal healthcare.
Charting strategic roadmaps and partnerships between countries and stakeholders on priority capacities and activities.
Major outcomes
The summit outcomes will be released by WHO as the 'Gujarat Declaration'. The declaration will recognize traditional medicine's importance for universal health coverage.
WHO shared initial findings of a global survey showing increasing acceptance of traditional medicine globally.
97 out of 157 WHO member states now have national policies on traditional medicine.
India held successful bilateral meetings with 5 countries to share best practices.
The summit highlights India's leadership through establishing the Global Centre for Traditional Medicine in Jamnagar.
The outcomes will help shape the Centre's work and WHO's 2023-2034 strategy on traditional medicine.
Digital health services and evidence-based traditional medicine were discussed as emerging fields.
Holding the summit alongside the G20 Health Minister's Meeting allowed more discourse on traditional medicine. G20 outcomes also indicate member countries' commitment to evidence-based traditional medicine.
WHO insists safety and effectiveness will be ensured based on evidence just like other healthcare practices.
The summit promoted integrating evidence-based traditional practices into mainstream healthcare worldwide and highlighted growing acceptance of traditional medicine and emphasized safety, effectiveness, regulation, and cooperation to harness its potential. Overall the summit highlights growing WHO efforts to regulate and integrate traditional medicine used by millions globally into mainstream healthcare.
WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine (GCTM) Jamnagar
The newly established WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine in Jamnagar, Gujarat, India aims to optimize the contribution of traditional medicine to global health. Supported by the Government of India, the Centre aligns with WHO's strategy to harness traditional medicine's potential through an evidence-based, innovative, and sustainable approach. While respecting local knowledge and rights, the Centre will focus on building evidence, data analytics, sustainability, equity and technology related to traditional medicine. The Centre represents India's commitment to share its rich traditional medicine heritage with the world in the spirit of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' - the world is one family.
By integrating safe and effective traditional medicine into modern healthcare, the WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine seeks to improve health globally.
Interesting READS
The Impact of the WHO Global Summit on Integration of Traditional Medicine
Reviewing the 2023 WHO Global Summit's groundbreaking emphasis on integrating traditional medicine into modern healthcare. The article delves into the endorsement of traditional practices, challenges in merging the two systems, and strategies to ensure ethical collaborations. Dive into the dynamic blend of ancient wisdom and modern methods shaping global health's future.
Culturally Appropriate Documentation of Traditional Medical Knowledge
Explore the significance and methods of culturally-sensitive documentation of traditional medical knowledge. This article highlights the importance of community-led initiatives, multi-generational perspectives, and adaptive records to safeguard and authenticate invaluable wisdom. Learn how mutual respect and long-term partnerships could enlighten global health practices for generations to come.
As we close this special issue highlighting key discussions and outcomes from the historic WHO First Global Summit on Traditional Systems, we hope the insightful perspectives covered have helped broaden understanding of diverse medical philosophies and integration considerations.
Your feedback helps shape our content, so do share your thoughts at contact@cayeit.com .
Thank you for your continued readership. Here's to health, harmony, and the transformative power of Ayurveda. Until next time,
Ayurveda Post Team,
Centre for Ayurveda Education, Innovation & Technology