WHO’s Global Health Vision Aims to Bridge Science, Tradition

The World Health Organization (WHO) is reinforcing the global framework for traditional medicine through new initiatives that align scientific research, digital innovation, and cultural preservation. In the lead-up to the Second WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine, to be held Dec. 17–19 in New Delhi, the organization has published a special issue of its Bulletin dedicated to the study, regulation, and modernization of traditional health systems worldwide.

The Bulletin underscores that traditional medicine remains a primary or complementary form of care for billions of people and an essential part of community health systems, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The global wellness economy associated with these practices is projected to grow from US$5.6 trillion in 2022 to US$8.5 trillion by 2027, yet WHO notes that less than 1% of all global health research funding is directed toward this area. The organization’s Global Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025–2034 aims to address this imbalance by promoting people-centered, evidence-informed integration of traditional medicine into national health systems.

“The nexus of traditional medicine and modern science can restore balance and catalyze essential breakthroughs for the health and well-being of people and the planet,” reads the Bulletin’s editorial, which calls for more rigorous research, inclusive policies, and ethical frameworks to guide this integration. The issue includes analyses on policy and practice, Indigenous rights, intellectual property, and the growing role of technologies such as AI in advancing evidence-based approaches.

AI has emerged as a critical element in this transformation. A new joint report by WHO, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Mapping the Application of Artificial Intelligence in Traditional Medicine, outlines how AI is being applied to enhance traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine (TCIM). The report documents initiatives using AI to identify medicinal plants, analyze therapeutic compounds, and improve diagnostic accuracy while preserving cultural heritage and ensuring ethical data practices.

“Indigenous and local communities should be recognized as active partners in shaping the future of AI in healthcare,” says Yukiko Nakatani, Assistant Director-General for Health Systems, WHO,  in the report. It warns that while AI can accelerate innovation, it must not become a new frontier for inequality or misappropriation of Indigenous knowledge. The document calls for national legal frameworks, investment in digital infrastructure, and benefit-sharing models that protect community rights and support equitable access.

WHO’s broader digital modernization effort also includes updates to its global disease classification system. The 2025 edition of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) introduces interoperability with external health databases and a new module for documenting traditional medicine systems, including Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani. By integrating these systems into international health records, WHO seeks to standardize data collection, improve cross-border collaboration, and strengthen the scientific basis for traditional therapies.

In Mexico, the Senate recently launched “Tejiendo Canales de Saberes,” a WhatsApp-based initiative aimed at strengthening traditional midwifery through the distribution of maternal and neonatal health information in five Indigenous languages. The program recognizes midwives as community health agents and seeks to bridge linguistic barriers in maternal care, supporting WHO’s call for inclusive, culturally competent healthcare delivery.

Private sector voices have also emphasized the social dimension of traditional medicine. Raúl Elizalde, CEO, HempMeds, recently underscored the contributions of women in shaping the modern cannabis industry and advancing public access to plant-based therapies. He cites cases such as Mexican advocate Mayela Benavides, who fought for the legal use of cannabidiol (CBD) for her daughter’s treatment, helping pave the way for broader medical recognition of cannabis derivatives. 

The upcoming WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine will bring together governments, researchers, Indigenous representatives, and private stakeholders under the theme “Restoring Balance: The Science and Practice of Health and Well-being.” Discussions will address the integration of traditional practices into regulated health systems, protection of biodiversity, intellectual property rights, and the ethical use of emerging technologies.