The World Health Organisation (WHO) has launched the Traditional Medicine Global Library, a first-of-its-kind digital platform consolidating 1.6 million resources on traditional medicine, as countries move to integrate indigenous and complementary practices into mainstream health systems.
The platform was unveiled at the second WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine, which concluded in New Delhi, India, and brought together 800 delegates from more than 100 countries, alongside over 16 000 online participants.
The summit was jointly organised by WHO and the Government of India.
The Traditional Medicine Global Library brings together scientific studies, policy documents and indigenous knowledge in one digital space, including evidence gap maps to guide research priorities and an artificial intelligence-powered tool designed to improve access to trusted information and accelerate global research and innovation in traditional medicine.
WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the library would support countries to make evidence-based decisions as they incorporate traditional medicine into national health systems.
“Through the Delhi Commitment, countries have agreed not only on why traditional medicine matters, but on how to act,” said Dr Tedros.
“Traditional medicine can help to address many of the threats to health of our modern world: the growing burden of noncommunicable diseases; inequitable access to health services; and climate change. It can help to support care that is person-centred, culturally grounded, and holistic.”
The summit marked a major milestone in advancing the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025–2034, with discussions focusing on moving from recognition of traditional medicine to practical implementation.
WHO also announced the establishment of the Strategic and Technical Advisory Group on Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine (STAG-TM).The 19-member independent advisory body will guide research priorities, develop standards and advise countries on integrating traditional medicine into health systems.
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