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The World Health Organization (WHO) on Ayurveda
The World Health Organization (WHO) on Ayurveda
"Traditional systems of medicine, such as Ayurveda, can play an important role in integrated, people-centred health services and care.”
- Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General
In 1978, at the Alma-Ata Conference on Health for All, WHO recognised the importance of traditional, alternative and complementary medicine systems in the health systems of both developing and developed countries. Since then, the WHO Programme on Traditional Medicine has addressed this issue at the global level, covering various aspects such as the cultivation, production and distribution of medicinal plants, and the development of public information materials and guidelines on traditional medicine.
A Global Centre for Traditional Medicine
On 21 April 2002, the new WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine was inaugurated in Jamnagar (Gujrat), India. Supported by a US$ 250 million investment from the Government of India, the Centre aims to bring the potential of traditional medicine to people around the world, using modern science and technology to improve the health of people and the well-being of the planet.
WHO's new centre aims to provide a strong scientific evidence base for policies and standards on traditional medical practices and products, so that countries can integrate them into their health systems where appropriate.
Traditional medicine is practised by about 80% of the world's population. Of WHO's 194 Member States, 170 have reported the use of traditional medicine, and their governments have asked WHO to help them collect reliable data and evidence on traditional practices and products.
Traditional medicine is the body of knowledge, skills and practices used by different cultures over time to maintain health and treat physical and mental illness. It includes ancient practices such as acupuncture, Ayurvedic medicine and the use of herbal mixtures, as well as modern medicines.
The use of traditional medicine is also becoming more widespread in modern science. For example, 40% of licensed medicines in use today are derived from natural substances, underlining the importance of biodiversity conservation and sustainability. In addition, modern technologies such as artificial intelligence, mobile phone applications and online courses are increasingly being used to study and disseminate knowledge about traditional medical practices.
Is Ayurveda recognised by the WHO?
The WHO recognises the importance and role of traditional medicine in health care and includes Ayurveda among these systems, along with other traditional medical systems. This recognition underlines the importance of traditional medicine in promoting health and well-being.