Traditional medicine has been central to people’s health and well-being across cultures and countries for centuries. It has contributed to foundational medical texts and modern scientific breakthroughs. Landmark drugs like aspirin and artemisinin, as well as practices like yoga and meditation, originate from traditional medicine. Traditional medicine is at the frontiers of modern science and health care with advances in genomics and artificial intelligence, and personalized, holistic approaches.  Increasing global attention is fueling related industries like bioeconomy and wellness valued at trillions of dollars.

Around 90% of WHO Member States have reported on the use of traditional medicine and requested robust evidence and data to guide policies, practice and regulations to ensure its safe and effective use, while promoting equity and sustainability.

To address this global demand, WHO established the Global Traditional Medicine Centre (GTMC) in 2022 with foundational support from the Government of India. The GTMC is a WHO Headquarters department, in the Division of Universal Health Coverage and Life Course, that is outposted to Jamnagar, Gujarat, India. The Centre focuses on advancing research, facilitating knowledge exchange, conserving biodiversity, and fostering partnerships to catalyze ancient wisdom and modern science for the health and well-being of people and planet.