The WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre (GTMC) is a knowledge hub for traditional medicine. As part of WHO’s overall traditional medicine strategy, it has a strategic focus on evidence and learning, data and analytics, sustainability and equity, and innovation and technology to optimize the contribution of traditional medicine to global health and sustainable development. At the same time, respect for local heritages, resources and rights is a guiding principle.

Now being established with the support of the Government of India, the Centre reflects the WHO Director-General’s leadership vision that harnessing the potential of traditional medicine would be a game changer for health when founded on evidence, innovation and sustainability. The Prime Minister and Government of India are supporting the establishment of the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre in Jamnagar, Gujarat, India, as a global good and in the spirit of the phrase Vasudhaiva Kudumbakam: the world is one family.

Why is it needed?

Eighty-eight percent of all countries are estimated to use traditional medicine, such as herbal medicines, acupuncture, yoga, indigenous therapies and others. One hundred seventy Member States report the use of traditional medicine, and their priority request to WHO is for evidence and data to inform policies, standards and regulatory frameworks for safe, cost-effective and equitable use. Traditional medicine has been an integral resource for health for centuries in communities around the world, and it is still a mainstay for some with inequities in access to conventional medicine. The sociocultural practice and biodiversity heritages of traditional medicine are invaluable resources to evolve inclusive, diverse sustainable development. Traditional medicine is also part of the growing trillion-dollar global health, wellness, beauty and pharmaceutical industries. Over 40% of pharmaceutical formulations are based on natural products and landmark drugs, including aspirin and artemisinin, originated from traditional medicine. The contribution of traditional medicine to national health systems is not yet fully realized, as millions of accredited traditional medicine workers, facilities, expenditures and products are not fully accounted for. Augmenting WHO’s capacities to address these knowledge needs will be a main objective of WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre (GTMC).

India’s investment

As lead investor in the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre, India has committed an estimated US$ 250 million to support the Centre’s establishment, infrastructure and operations. This includes 35 acres of land in Jamnagar, Gujarat, India, for a new building and premises in 2024, an interim office, and support for the GTMC operational costs with a 10-year commitment.

The WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre will be an accessible, eco-friendly and interactive facility showcasing global traditions and modern scientific advances in traditional medicine.

While the new Centre is being built, an interim office has been established at the Institute Teaching and Research in Ayurveda (ITRA), which is a WHO Collaborating Centre and Institute of National Importance.

Leadership and Strategic vision

In collaboration with all WHO regions, the WHO-GTMC focuses on research and evidence, indigenous knowledge and diversity, primary health care (PHC) and universal health coverage (UHC), and global summit and collaborations to maximize the role of traditional medicine in global health.

To realize these strategic visions, GTMC established five units inside the centre.

1. Research and Evidence Unit (TRE). Advance scientific evidence on TM and strengthen Member States’ capacities to prioritize and conduct robust research.
2. PHC and UHC Unit (TPU). Strengthen links with national health systems, and other sectors, using a PHC approach for equitable access to high-quality TM and the progressive realization of UHC.
3. Biodiversity and Indigenous Knowledges Unit (TBI). Sustain biodiversity and support respectful knowledge exchange with Indigenous Peoples, ensuring equitable and fair access to benefits.
4. Digital Health Applications Unit (TDH). Use digital health applications to facilitate the generation of, and equitable access to, high-quality TM knowledge, goods and services.
5. Global Summit and Collaboration (TGS). Organize a biennial global TM forum to advance scientific knowledge, mobilize political commitment and collective action on TM for the health and well-being of people and planet.

Global scope and collaboration