The World Health Organization (WHO) has inaugurated a significant global conference on traditional medicine in New Delhi, highlighting the potential of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) to provide scientific validation and regulatory clarity to age-old healing practices. This three-day event aims to investigate how traditional medicine can be thoughtfully integrated into contemporary healthcare systems, ensuring safety, effectiveness, and evidence-based methodologies. In a video message prior to the conference, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized the ongoing relevance of traditional medicine in today’s society.
He noted that the demand for these practices is increasing across various countries, cultures, and communities, driven by their accessibility and cultural acceptance. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the gathering, underscored India’s rich heritage in traditional medicine and expressed hope that the conference would amplify global attempts to realise its full potential. He also reaffirmed India’s dedication to supporting the WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine, established in 2022 in Gujarat, which serves as a global hub for research, policy development, and collaboration in this field.
WHO officials emphasized that traditional medicine is a vital part of healthcare systems worldwide, especially in areas where access to modern medical services is limited.
Shyama Kurvilla, Head of the WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine, described the reliance on traditional remedies as a “global reality.” She highlighted that between 40 and 90 percent of populations in nearly 90 percent of WHO member states depend
on conventional medicine as their major source of therapy. With about 50% of the global population lacking access to essential health services, traditional medicine often represents the most accessible, and sometimes the only, form of care available. However, WHO also pointed out the challenges linked to unregulated practices, such as the absence of scientific validation and concerns regarding patient safety. Concerns regarding the ecological impact of certain traditional medicines, particularly those that contribute to the illicit traffic in endangered animals, such as pangolins, rhinos, and tigers. WHO clarified that its objective is not to replace traditional knowledge but to assist countries in ensuring that these practices are safe, evidence-informed, and ethically integrated into healthcare systems alongside conventional medicine.
The conference’s main emphasis is the increasing role of cutting-edge technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, in furthering the study of conventional medicine. WHO declared the start of the world’s largest digital repository dedicated to traditional medicine research, which includes nearly 1.6 million scientific records. This platform aims to enhance the global evidence base, foster collaboration, and improve knowledge sharing among researchers and policymakers. WHO Chief Scientist Dr. Sylvie Briand explained that AI can significantly aid in analysing complex herbal formulations, identifying active compounds, and predicting drug interactions, thereby enhancing both safety and effectiveness.
Advanced technologies, such as imaging and brain scans, are also enabling scientists to gain deeper insights into how traditional practices like meditation and acupuncture affect physical and mental health. Experts believe that this fusion of ancient wisdom and modern science represents a pivotal moment for global healthcare. By applying rigorous scientific methods to traditional medicine, WHO aspires to connect the past with the future, creating a more inclusive, reliable, and sustainable healthcare system for future generations.