India Hosts First WHO Traditional Medicine Global Summit 2023: The ‘Gujarat Declaration’
In a groundbreaking development for the world of traditional medicine, the World Health Organization (WHO) has unveiled the outcome of its inaugural Traditional Medicine Global Summit 2023, aptly named the ‘Gujarat Declaration.’ This declaration underscores a global commitment to harnessing the potential of traditional medicine to promote health and well-being for all.
The summit, which took place in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India, from August 17-18, 2023, has set a historic precedent by emphasizing the importance of indigenous knowledge, biodiversity, and traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine (TCIM) in the pursuit of global health goals.
A Global Pledge for Holistic Health
The ‘Gujarat Declaration’ reaffirms the global consensus that rigorous scientific methods are essential for understanding, evaluating, and, when appropriate, integrating holistic, context-specific, and personalized approaches to health and well-being. These approaches are seen as key to achieving health for all.
India, serving as the host of the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre in Jamnagar, Gujarat, plays a pivotal role in amplifying the WHO’s capacity to support member states and stakeholders in implementing the summit’s action agenda and addressing other pertinent priorities.
Key Focus Areas
The two-day WHO Traditional Medicine Global Summit 2023 engaged in extensive deliberations on a wide array of topics, including:
- Health and well-being of people and the planet
- Research and evidence
- Universal health coverage
- Primary health care and health systems
- Data & routine information systems
- Digital health frontiers
- Biodiversity and sustainability
- Human rights, equity, and ethics
Leadership and Commitment
Union Minister of Ayush, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, expressed his views on the significance of the ‘Gujarat Declaration,’ stating that it reflects Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s commitment to promoting India’s ancient Traditional Medicine system. He emphasized that through collaborative efforts and sustainable practices, a healthier future for generations can be ensured.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization, highlighted the catalytic role of the ‘Gujarat Declaration.’ He stressed its potential to harness the power of traditional medicine through a scientific lens and its focus on integrating traditional medicines into national health systems.
The Road Ahead
The ‘Gujarat Declaration’ outlines several crucial action points for the future:
- Scaling up evidence-based TCIM interventions for universal health coverage and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Supporting evidence-based integration into national health policies.
- Accelerating the production, regulation, and utilization of scientifically proven TCIM products and practices.
- Promoting standardized TCIM documentation.
- Establishing a global network of TCIM reference clinical centers.
- Advancing the development and application of digital health technologies, including artificial intelligence, in the TCIM field.
- Safeguarding and sustainably managing biodiversity while respecting the rights of Indigenous Peoples.
- Incorporating ethical methods and processes in TCIM research and practice.A Transformative Summit
The WHO’s Traditional Medicine Global Summit 2023 has set the stage for a renewed focus on traditional medicine and its integration into modern healthcare systems. With India at the helm, this historic declaration paves the way for a healthier, more holistic approach to global health and well-being.
As the world moves forward, the ‘Gujarat Declaration’ serves as a beacon, guiding us toward a future where traditional and modern medicine work hand in hand for the benefit of all. It underscores the importance of preserving ancient wisdom while embracing scientific progress to create a healthier world.
