As The Guardian reports, citing statements by the head of the WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine, Shyami Kuruvilla.
The World Health Organization plans to strengthen the global evidence base for traditional medicine through artificial intelligence, cutting-edge technologies, and increased investments. These plans were outlined based on material from The Guardian that referenced statements by the head of the WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine, Shyama Kuruvilla.
According to this official, broad exploration should involve diverse practices – from African traditional healers and Ayurveda to Chinese acupuncturists who apply needles to treat migraines, and Indian yogis who practice meditation.
Kuruvilla stressed that the historical lack of evidence, which has often kept traditional practices outside official recognition, could change thanks to larger investments and the use of modern technologies.
At the same time, concerns arise that the new WHO strategy for researching traditional practices could open the door to non-scientific systems, such as homeopathy. However, she notes that homeopathy does not meet the WHO’s definition of traditional medicine – it was created in the late 18th century, and today there is a lack of compelling evidence of its effectiveness.
In light of all this – biomedicine, homeopathy, traditional medicine – if the evidence changes, I believe we are obliged to be open to it
– a WHO representative
Global Meeting and Strategy
The WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine took place December 17–19 in collaboration with the Government of India. The organization also unveiled the Global Strategy on Traditional Medicine for the period 2025–2034.
Development of traditional medicine is necessary from ethical and environmental perspectives and is grounded in empirical data
– Shyama Kuruvilla
The WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized that responsible, ethical, and fair engagement using innovations and artificial intelligence can help unlock the potential of traditional medicine for every community and for the world at large.
The WHO aims to unite millennia-old wisdom with the power of modern science and technology to realize the vision of health for all
– Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
In the context of future steps, the organization emphasizes responsible use of new tools, preservation of cultural diversity, and transparent communication with communities. The goal is for traditional medicine not only to enrich the treatment arsenal but also to operate on the basis of reliable data and ethical standards, ensuring safety and effectiveness for people in different regions of the world.