The second WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine kicked off in New Delhi, India, with a powerful message: blending ancient wisdom with modern science. This event, a collaboration between the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Ministry of Ayush, marks a significant step forward in global healthcare. But here's where it gets intriguing: it's not just about preserving tradition; it's about advancing it through rigorous research and global cooperation.
The Minister of Ayush, Prataprao Jadhav, set the tone by highlighting India's rich history in traditional medicine. He emphasized the need to enhance research, maintain high-quality standards, and foster international collaboration. This summit, he noted, is a testament to the progress made since 2016, when the collaboration began.
WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus echoed this sentiment, stressing the importance of integrating ancient knowledge with contemporary science and technology. He underscored the need to bridge the gap between scientific understanding and traditional practices, ensuring that both are respected and utilized effectively.
A key feature of the summit is the Ayush Expo, a showcase of India's diverse traditional medicine systems, including Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa, and Homoeopathy. But it's not just about India; the expo will also feature traditional medicine practices from around the world, offering a comprehensive view of this ancient field.
The summit is set to announce groundbreaking scientific initiatives and global commitments, aiming to promote the safe, effective, and evidence-based use of traditional medicine worldwide. The theme, 'Restoring balance: The science and practice of health and well-being,' encapsulates the summit's mission to harmonize ancient wisdom with modern advancements, ultimately benefiting global health.
