Delegates at the World Health Assembly endorse WHO’s Global Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025–2034.
As health systems worldwide continue to face inequities, the World Health Organization (WHO) has introduced a bold new initiative to integrate traditional healing practices into mainstream healthcare. The Global Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025–2034, endorsed at the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva, seeks to combine ancestral wisdom with scientific rigour to address healthcare gaps—especially in low-resource settings.
In an exclusive interview with Professor Ossy Muganga Kasilo, a Tanzanian public health expert and former Regional Adviser on Traditional Medicine for WHO Africa, described the move as a “very positive step” toward more inclusive, equitable healthcare systems.
Validation of traditional medicine
Professor Kasilo said the strategy emphasises the validation of traditional medicine through evidence-based research, integration into national health policies, and the protection of indigenous knowledge.
“WHO recognises the value traditional medicine brings to many cultures and its potential to expand access to care, particularly in underserved areas,” she said.
The WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre (GTMC), headquartered in India, will lead the implementation by:
- Conducting rigorous scientific validation;
- Creating global accreditation systems;
- Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to analyse traditional healing trends;
- Fostering knowledge exchange between practitioners and scientists.
Financial commitments
Despite strong support, the strategy has yet to receive dedicated financial commitments. WHO’s limited funding raises questions about how it will achieve its ambitious goals.
“We’re working to build partnerships with research institutions, NGOs, and private sector players,” Kasilo said. “Regional consultations are ongoing to prioritise research needs and guide investment.”
Protecting Africa’s Healing Heritage
Concerns have surfaced that an overemphasis on Western-style validation might marginalise Africa’s spiritual and oral traditions. Kasilo acknowledged the issue.
“These concerns are valid. That’s why WHO is promoting community-led research, culturally appropriate methodologies, and inclusion of indigenous knowledge holders.”
She stressed that traditional and scientific systems are not in conflict but can complement each other to build robust health systems.
First point of care
Across sub-Saharan Africa, traditional medicine remains the first point of care for millions. WHO is actively supporting countries to regulate and safely integrate these practices.
Key efforts include:
- Assisting with legal frameworks and national policies;
- Accrediting traditional practitioners;
- Supporting the inclusion of traditional medicine in health insurance systems;
- Facilitating clinical research on herbal treatments for chronic and infectious diseases;
- Training regulators and practitioners to ensure safety and efficacy.
Tools to Guide Governments
WHO’s GTMC is also rolling out toolkits to help governments without marginalising local healers. These include:
- A Global Benchmarking Tool for regulation;
- A Competency Framework for traditional medicine oversight;
- Regional guidelines specific to the African context;
- An Action Framework and Monitoring Tool to launch by December 2025.
Universal Health Coverage
Professor Kasilo believes traditional medicine can help African countries achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by:
- Expanding care access in remote areas;
- Offering affordable treatment options;
- Enhancing trust through culturally relevant care;
- Integrating traditional healers into the broader health workforce.
“With the right partnerships and mutual respect, traditional medicine can help solve some of the most pressing global health challenges,” she said.
About the Expert
Professor Ossy Muganga Kasilo is a Tanzanian public health expert and board member of the Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Healthcare Coalition in Geneva. She formerly served as WHO Africa’s Regional Adviser on Traditional Medicine.
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