The draft global traditional medicine strategy 2025–2034 was adopted by the WHO-assembly

Introduction

Traditional medicine is used by people across all six regions of WHO. Traditional medicine refers to codified or non-codified systems for healthcare and well-being, comprising practices, skills, knowledge and philosophies originating in different historical and cultural contexts, which are distinct from and pre-date biomedicine, evolving with science for current use from an experience-based origin. Traditional medicine emphasizes nature-based remedies and holistic, personalized approaches to restore balance of mind, body and environment. Complementary medicine refers to additional healthcare practices that are not part of a country’s mainstream medicine. Evidence-based complementary medicine has the potential to support mainstream medicine and more comprehensively support people’s health and well-being needs. As people become more empowered to choose the appropriate healthcare for their needs, health services continually adapt to meet the challenge of delivering people-centered care. Whether government-led or people-led, the practice of integrative medicine2 that combines traditional and complementary medicine and biomedicine is gaining popularity. In 2017, WHO began supporting the developing field of integrative medicine by introducing the concept of “traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine” (TCIM).

This draft strategy offers an expanded vision that includes traditional, complementary and integrative medicine, bringing together these three approaches to address individual health needs and expectations. The draft strategy was developed through an extensive consultative process, including global and regional Member States consultations, a public hearing and consultations with a broad range of stakeholders and partners, including representatives of Indigenous Peoples. The draft strategy aims to support Member States in designing and implementing national strategic plans and actions in accordance with their national capacities, priorities, relevant legislation, culture and circumstances. The draft strategy does not imply a preference for TCIM practice over biomedical practice. It seeks to harness the potential contribution of TCIM to health and well-being based on evidence. The draft strategy is also designed to prevent misinformation, disinformation and malinformation while ensuring an evidence-based approach to TCIM. WHO emphasizes the principle of “do no harm” and consistently refutes any claims that are not supported by scientific evidence.

Vision

A world in which there is universal access to safe, effective and people-centered TCIM for the health and well-being of all.

Goal

To advance the contribution of evidence-based TCIM to the highest attainable standard of health and well-being.

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