How a New WHO Declaration Could Revolutionize Traditional Medicine: A Global Health Shift

Primary Keyword: WHO Declaration on Traditional Medicine
Secondary Keywords: Traditional Medicine Integration, Global Health Policy, WHO Traditional Medicine Summit, Delhi Declaration
Related Synonyms: Herbal Medicine, Indigenous Healing, Complementary Medicine, Health Systems Strengthening, Evidence-Based Traditional Medicine

Introduction

For billions of people worldwide, traditional medicine is not an alternative—it is the first line of defense against illness. From herbal remedies in bustling African markets to Indigenous healing practices passed down through generations, these systems have long supported community health and survival. Yet, despite its massive utilization, traditional medicine has historically remained at the margins of global health policy, often plagued by weak regulation, a lack of standardized safety protocols, and limited scientific backing. This status quo is now facing a monumental shift.

In a landmark event, leaders from over 100 countries gathered in New Delhi, India, for the Second World Health Organisation (WHO) Global Summit on Traditional Medicine. The summit culminated in the Delhi Declaration on Traditional Medicine, a historic global commitment to bring traditional medicine into the heart of modern health systems. The goal is clear: to do so safely, ethically, and with robust scientific evidence. This article analyzes the key pillars of this declaration and explores how it aims to revolutionize the landscape of global health, ensuring that traditional practices are respected, regulated, and integrated effectively.

Key Points

Background

To understand the significance of the Delhi Declaration, one must look at the current state of global health. In many regions, particularly in Africa and Asia, traditional medicine is the primary, and often only, accessible healthcare resource. In countries like Ghana, millions rely on traditional healers for primary care. However, this reliance has often been characterized by a lack of formal recognition and regulatory oversight.

Historically, the divide between “Western medicine” and traditional practices has been wide. Biomedical research methodologies often failed to capture the holistic nature of traditional systems, leading to a skepticism that relegated these practices to the “unproven” category. This created a cycle where a lack of research led to a lack of funding, which in turn prevented the generation of evidence needed to prove safety and efficacy.

The WHO has recognized this gap for decades but has only recently moved toward concrete action. The First WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine was held in Beijing in 2019. The 2024 summit in New Delhi, attended by approximately 800 in-person delegates and 20,000 online participants—including ministers, researchers, healers, and Indigenous leaders—signaled a growing political will to address these disparities. The Delhi Declaration builds on previous international agreements and aligns with global laws regarding Indigenous rights, biodiversity (such as the Convention on Biological Diversity), and intellectual property.

Analysis

The Delhi Declaration is structured around three major commitments. Analyzing these reveals a sophisticated strategy to modernize traditional medicine without erasing its cultural roots.

Commitment 1: Building Strong Evidence

The first pillar addresses the critical “evidence gap.” The declaration acknowledges that less than 1% of global health research funding goes to traditional medicine. To fix this, countries have agreed to invest in research infrastructure and workforce training.

Crucially, the WHO is advocating for a paradigm shift in research methodology. Traditional medicine cannot always be studied effectively using the strict double-blind randomized controlled trials (RCTs) designed for single-molecule pharmaceuticals. The declaration calls for “whole-systems research,” “real-world evidence,” and “Indigenous and community-based methodologies.” This approach respects the complexity of herbal preparations and the contextual nature of healing rituals, allowing for a more accurate assessment of efficacy.

Furthermore, the commitment to “data sovereignty” is vital. As interest in herbal medicine grows, there is a risk of biopiracy—where external entities patent traditional knowledge without benefiting the source communities. The declaration mandates that research governance must safeguard cultural resources and ensure that Indigenous communities retain control over their data and knowledge.

Commitment 2: Strengthening Regulation and Safety

The second pillar tackles the “Wild West” nature of the current market. Consumers often face risks from adulterated products, untrained practitioners, and dangerous drug-herb interactions. The declaration calls for stronger, fairer regulatory systems.

This involves enhancing quality control and safety monitoring. For countries like Ghana, this could mean stricter oversight of herbal products sold in markets, requiring Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and establishing clear certification standards for practitioners. By sharing data on safety risks internationally, the global community can build a safety net that protects patients while respecting the diversity of traditional practices.

Commitment 3: Integration into Health Systems

The third commitment is perhaps the most ambitious: integrating traditional medicine into national health systems, specifically at the primary healthcare level. This does not mean replacing hospitals with herbal clinics. Instead, it promotes a collaborative model.

Imagine a scenario where a patient visits a primary health center and has access to both a biomedical doctor and a certified traditional healer, working in tandem. The declaration advocates for proper training, clear guidelines, and fair financing models to make this a reality. To support this, countries will utilize the WHO’s International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) Traditional Medicine modules. This is a technical breakthrough; it allows traditional diagnoses and treatments to be recorded in official health statistics, making the sector visible and accountable.

Practical Advice

How does this high-level declaration translate to real-world impact? Here is what this means for different stakeholders:

For Patients and Consumers

Expect a gradual increase in the safety and reliability of herbal medicines. Look for products that comply with new national quality standards. If you are using traditional remedies, this shift encourages open communication with your doctor to avoid harmful interactions with conventional drugs.

For Traditional Healers and Practitioners

This declaration signals a move toward professionalization. Practitioners should seek formal training and certification where available. It is an opportunity to document your knowledge and methodologies, ensuring that your heritage is respected and protected under new data sovereignty frameworks.

For Policymakers and Health Administrators

Investment in data systems is key. Implementing the ICD-11 Traditional Medicine modules is a practical first step. Policymakers must also draft legislation that protects Indigenous intellectual property while regulating the commercial sale of herbal products to ensure quality control.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Delhi Declaration on Traditional Medicine marks a definitive turning point in global health history. By moving traditional medicine from the margins to the mainstream, the WHO and its member states are acknowledging a reality that has existed for centuries: these practices are vital to human health. The commitment to rigorous science, ethical regulation, and collaborative integration offers a blueprint for a healthier, more inclusive future. While the declaration does not promise overnight change, it provides the political and structural foundation necessary to ensure that traditional medicine evolves safely, respects cultural heritage, and contributes effectively to universal health coverage.