India has made a substantial commitment to the WHO Traditional Medicine Centre, pledging $85 million over the next decade. This investment, which spans from 2022 to 2032, is part of a larger $250 million contribution aimed at establishing and developing the Centre. This significant financial backing reflects India's dedication to advancing the role of traditional medicine in global health systems.

The WHO Traditional Medicine Centre, which will be located in Jamnagar, India, is set to become a pivotal hub for knowledge and innovation in traditional medicine. The donor agreement between India and the World Health Organization (WHO) encompasses several key areas of support. This includes funding for the Centre's work plan, interim facilities, and the construction of a new building. The collaboration is designed to enhance WHO's capabilities in traditional medicine across various regions and technical divisions, fostering a spirit of global cooperation and solidarity.

Bruce Aylward, WHO's Assistant Director-General for Universal Health Coverage and Life Course, has emphasized the importance of integrating traditional medicine into national health systems. According to Aylward, incorporating traditional medicine can help healthcare providers reach underserved populations, thereby contributing to the overarching goal of achieving health for all. This integration is crucial in ensuring that traditional medicine systems are recognized and utilized effectively within broader healthcare frameworks.

The Role of the WHO Traditional Medicine Centre

The WHO Traditional Medicine Centre in Jamnagar is set to focus on five interconnected areas that are vital for the advancement and integration of traditional medicine. These areas include research and evidence, primary health care and universal health coverage, indigenous knowledge and biodiversity, digital health applications, and the organization of the biennial WHO Global Traditional Medicine Summit. Through these focal points, the Centre aims to bolster the evidence base for traditional medicine and promote its integration into mainstream healthcare systems.

WHO Traditional Medicine Centre
Image Source: WHO

Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary of India's Ministry of Ayush, described the signing of the donor agreement as a significant milestone towards realizing the vision for the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre. Kotecha highlighted that the Centre will serve as a central knowledge hub, playing a crucial role in advancing research, developing evidence-based practices, and fostering international collaborations in traditional medicine.

In addition to the establishment of the Centre, a portion of India's funding will support WHO's core work between 2025 and 2028. This support is intended to enhance WHO’s technical and operational capacities, ensuring that traditional medicine continues to be integrated and valued within global health systems. The funding will also facilitate the development of benchmark documents, standardized terminologies, and other evidence-based products that enhance the credibility and acceptance of traditional medicine systems.

Long-Term Partnerships and Future Prospects

India’s support for the WHO Traditional Medicine Centre underscores its long-standing commitment to traditional medicine and its integration into global health frameworks. In 2023, India further solidified this commitment by signing a five-year agreement to support the technical work of WHO’s Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Medicine (TCI) unit. This unit is responsible for developing key resources and products that support the credibility and implementation of traditional medicine systems.

Through these initiatives, India aims to strengthen the evidence base for traditional medicine by providing valuable data and insights on policies, practices, products, and public use. The support for the WHO Traditional Medicine Centre is expected to scale up WHO’s capacities in traditional medicine, promoting its broader acceptance and integration into mainstream healthcare systems around the world.

The establishment of the WHO Traditional Medicine Centre represents a significant advancement in the global recognition and utilization of traditional medicine. By investing in this Centre, India is not only supporting the development of traditional medicine but also contributing to a more inclusive and holistic approach to global health. The Centre’s focus on research, evidence, and international collaboration will play a crucial role in advancing the integration of traditional medicine into health systems, ultimately benefiting populations worldwide.

India’s $85 million commitment to the WHO Traditional Medicine Centre is a landmark step in supporting the global advancement of traditional medicine. This investment highlights the country’s dedication to enhancing healthcare systems through the integration of traditional medicine and underscores the importance of global cooperation in achieving health for all. The Centre is poised to become a key player in the advancement of traditional medicine, setting the stage for a more inclusive and evidence-based approach to global health.

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