2nd WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine Kick Off in New Delhi

The 2nd WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine has officially begun in New Delhi on the 17th December, 2025. The summit is being co-hosted by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, and will continue for three days. It brings together a wide range of global stakeholders including policymakers, scientists, healthcare practitioners, Indigenous knowledge holders and civil society representatives.

Background of the WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine

• The first edition of WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine was held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, in 2023.
• That inaugural summit laid the foundation for global dialogue on how traditional medicine systems can be integrated safely and effectively into modern healthcare.
• Following its success, the second summit in New Delhi builds on earlier discussions by focusing more strongly on policy implementation, scientific validation and international cooperation.

Theme of the New Delhi Summit

• The summit is organised under the theme “Restoring balance: The science and practice of health and well-being.”
• This theme highlights the idea that health is not only the absence of disease but a state of balance between the body, mind, society and environment.
• Traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Indigenous healing practices are based on this holistic understanding of health.

What Is Traditional Medicine

• Traditional Medicine refers to knowledge, skills and practices based on the theories and experiences indigenous to different cultures.
• These systems have been used for centuries to maintain health and treat illness.
• In India, traditional medicine is officially promoted through Ayush systems, which include Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy.
• Globally, traditional medicine continues to play an important role, especially in primary healthcare and preventive care in many developing countries.

Focus Areas of the Summit

• The summit discussions are guided by the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025–2034.
• This strategy aims to help countries make informed decisions about the safe and effective use of traditional medicine.
• Key focus areas include strengthening scientific research, improving regulation and quality standards, integrating traditional medicine into national health systems, protecting Indigenous knowledge and promoting equitable access to healthcare.

Key Takeaways

• The Second WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine is being held in New Delhi.
• It is co-hosted by them World Health Organization and the Ministry of Ayush, Government of India.
• The theme is “Restoring balance: The science and practice of health and well-being.”
• The summit builds on the first edition held in Gandhinagar in 2023.
• It follows the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025–2034.

Question

Q. What is the theme of the 2nd WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine?

(A) “Health for All: Traditional Wisdom”
(B) “Restoring balance: The science and practice of health and well-being”
(C) “Integrating Modern and Traditional Healthcare”
(D) “Global Access to Ayurveda and Traditional Medicine”