Evidence-based traditional medicine for transforming global health and well-being

Abstract

Evidence-based traditional medicine for transforming global health and well-being BackgroundIn the current Anthropocene epoch, characterized by intensified, human-induced environmental crises, the interconnectedness of human health and the health of the planet has become more evident with the resulting responsibility to promote healthy living conditions [1].In our interconnected world, health challenges transcend borders, and addressing them necessitates comprehensive solutions that consider the complex interplay of factors influencing health outcomes.The COVID-19 pandemic has shown that current healthcare systems have limitations and vulnerabilities.This highlights the importance of adopting preventive and health-promoting strategies that go beyond national boundaries.Concepts such as planetary health and One Health are emerging as integrated, unifying strategies to optimize the health of people, animals, plants, and the planetary ecosystem.To address the complex global challenges of the 21st century including: geopolitical conflicts, economic crises, environmental disasters, and pandemics, it is crucial to rethink healthcare.This reimagining is essential for successfully reaching the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and creating a better and more sustainable future for everyone.It is critical to carefully address the social and environmental determinants of health beyond conventional notions of healthcare limited to sick care.Agreeably, healthcare must prioritize explicitly the well-being and prosperity of individuals and communities looking more broadly at social policies impacting health such as agriculture and food, transportation, city planning, housing, racism, sexism, gun safety, criminal justice, war and peace.Embracing principles such as Universal Health Coverage (UHC), preventive healthcare, multi-sectoral collaborations, social justice, environmental responsibility, and digital technology innovations can pave the way for more equitable and resilient societies.Governments and agencies worldwide recognize the need for transformative reforms through conducive policies and declarations.The Declaration of Astana 2018, the Helsinki Declaration 2020, and the Geneva Charter for Well-being 2021, developed by the World Health Organization (WHO), advocate a well-being economy with a primary focus on primary healthcare to achieve equity, social justice, and community empowerment.Moreover, the Shanghai Declaration 2016 and WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy acknowledge the growing importance of Indigenous Knowledge (IK) and Traditional Medicine (TM) in advancing health goals.There is a growing consensus to decolonize the restrictive idea of IK/TM and expand its vision to include traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine and health systems.For centuries, TM has been an integral resource for health in households and communities.The WHO recognizes the value and diversity of the cultures of Indigenous Peoples and local communities, along with their traditional knowledge.To attain the health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the WHO's Triple Billion Targets, which aim to ensure universal health coverage, protection from health emergencies, and improved wellbeing for over one billion people, concerted efforts are being made.The WHO is committed to exploring ways to integrate evidence-based traditional and complementary medicine services, particularly for primary health care, to achieve UHC and ensure healthy lives and well-being for all.The WHO global report on Traditional and Complementary Medicine 2019 and the WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy: 2014e2023 remain valuable resources for governments, system planners, and health practitioners [2].In this editorial, we use the broader concept involving IK and Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Medicine (hereinafter referred to as TCIM) as a holistic system for planetary health and well-being.Numerous health-seeking behavior studies indicate that over 80% of people from both low and high-income countries want to use TCIM for their health-related problems.The WHO has received requests from member states to integrate TCIM with conventional healthcare and provide evidence and data to inform policies, standards, and regulations for its safe, equitable, and cost-effective use.Consequently, the 76th World Health Assembly in May 2023 resolved to develop a new WHO Global Strategy for Traditional Medicine 2025e2034, recognizing the benefits of TCIM demonstrated in managing various health conditions including the COVID-19 pandemic.

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