The World Health Organisation has launched a global digital platform aimed at strengthening access to credible knowledge and accelerating research in traditional medicine across the world.
The platform, known as the Traditional Medicine Global Library (TMGL), brings together about 1.6 million resources, including peer-reviewed scientific studies, policy documents and Indigenous knowledge, into a single searchable database.
WHO unveiled the library at the close of the second WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine, held in New Delhi, India, and co-hosted with the Indian government.
According to the UN health agency, the initiative is designed to close evidence gaps, support innovation and ensure traditional medicine is integrated safely and effectively into modern health systems.
Speaking at the event, WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, said the library would help countries move from recognition of traditional medicine to concrete action.
“Through the Delhi Commitment, countries have agreed not only on why traditional medicine matters, but on how to act,” Tedros said.
He explained that the platform features Evidence Gap Maps and an artificial intelligence tool, TMGL GPT, which will make it easier for researchers, policymakers and health workers to access reliable information.
“Traditional medicine can help address many of the threats to health in our modern world, including the rising burden of non-communicable diseases, inequitable access to health services and the impacts of climate change,” he added.
As part of efforts to drive innovation, WHO also announced the launch of Health & Heritage Innovations (H2I), an initiative designed to support ideas that combine traditional practices with emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, genomics and digital health.
From more than 1,000 global submissions, 21 finalists were selected and will undergo a one-year acceleration programme, receiving scientific, regulatory and policy support to develop their innovations.
In addition, WHO introduced the Strategic and Technical Advisory Group on Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine (STAG-TM).
The 19-member expert group will guide research priorities, set standards and advise countries on integrating traditional medicine into national health systems.
At its inaugural meeting, the advisory group identified key priorities, including evidence generation, preservation of traditional knowledge, digital innovation and capacity building.
The summit also produced the Delhi Declaration, endorsed by 26 WHO Member States, committing countries to integrate traditional medicine into primary healthcare, strengthen regulation and safety standards, invest in research and develop interoperable data systems.
“This marks a shift from recognition to results,” Tedros said. “Traditional medicine should not operate as a parallel system but as a driver of universal health coverage.”
WHO noted that the commitments align with the Global Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025–2034, which aims to promote inclusive, culturally grounded and resilient health systems.
The New Delhi summit attracted over 16,000 online participants and 800 in-person delegates from more than 100 countries, including ministers from over 20 nations. Experts, scientists, Indigenous leaders and practitioners shared insights on how traditional medicine can provide safer, evidence-based and affordable healthcare solutions.
WHO said it would continue working with member states to translate the commitments into action by expanding access to trusted knowledge, accelerating innovation and embedding traditional medicine into health systems worldwide.
