WHO recognises traditional medicine, moves to document it officially
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has taken steps to officially include traditional medicine in its global health policies.
The move aims to ensure that traditional healing practices, which millions of people rely on, are properly documented and integrated into modern healthcare systems.
WHO officials say traditional medicine has long played a key role in many cultures but has often been overlooked in global health discussions.
By recognising it within its health framework, the organisation hopes to promote research, safety standards, and fair regulation.
“WHO’s work on traditional medicine is a response to the requests from countries for evidence and data to inform policies and practice, global standards and regulations to ensure safety, quality and equitable access,” WHO indicated.
This decision means that traditional medicine will now be studied and recorded more systematically.
WHO plans to create official guidelines that can help countries ensure these practices are safe and effective. This will also allow governments to regulate herbal treatments, traditional therapies, and other natural remedies more effectively.
“Integration of T&CM with the national health system and the mainstream of health care must be done appropriately, effectively and safely, based on the latest scientific evidence. WHO assists countries that want to embrace traditional medicine practices to do so in a science-based manner to avoid patient harm and ensure safe, effective and quality health care,” a statement by WHO indicated.
