NEWS – India has committed $85 million over 10 years, 2022–2032, to support the programming of the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Traditional Medicine Centre

DETAILS OF COMMITMENT

• Scope: Strengthen evidence base for traditional medicine
  • Provide data and evidence on: Traditional medicine policies + Practices + Products + Public use
• Context:
  • Part of a US$ 250 million investment by India in 2022
  • Supports: WHO Global Centre of Traditional Medicine + Financial support for the Centre’s workplan + Interim premises + New building
• Impact:
  • Enhances WHO’s capacities on traditional medicine
  • Promotes global collaboration and solidarity
  • Included in WHO’s Investment Round (2025–2028)

ABOUT WHO GLOBAL TRADITIONAL MEDICINE CENTRE (WHO GCTM)

• Location: Jamnagar, Gujarat, India
• Foundation: Laid by the Indian Prime Minister in April 2022, with WHO Director-General present
• Significance: First global outpost for traditional medicine
• Establishment: Under the Ministry of AYUSH

Primary Objectives:

• Harness Potential: Integrate traditional medicine with modern science and technology
• Health Improvement: Enhance global community health
• Evidence Base: Build policies and standards for traditional medicine
• Integration: Help countries incorporate traditional medicine into health systems
• Quality and Safety: Regulate practices and products for sustainable impact

Strategic Areas of Focus:

1. Evidence and Learning: Develop a strong evidence base
2. Data and Analytics: Use data for informed decision-making
3. Sustainability and Equity: Promote sustainable and equitable practices
4. Innovation and Technology: Optimize traditional medicine’s contribution to global health and development

Guiding Principles:

• Respect for Local Heritage: Acknowledge and preserve local traditions and resources
• Rights and Resources: Uphold rights and sustainable use of local resources

INDIA’S SUPPORT AND PARTNERSHIPS

• Long-standing Partnerships:
  • Five-year agreement in 2023 to support WHO’s Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine (TCI) unit
  • Supports development of new WHO traditional medicine global strategy (2025–2034)
  • Publishes benchmark documents, standardized terminologies, and evidence-informed technical products
• Collaboration:
  • Centre and TCI work with WHO teams to advance traditional medicine agenda
  • Includes regular meetings of the WHO Technical Expert Network
  • Promotes a One WHO approach across headquarters, regional, and country offices