WHO Releases 'Gujarat Declaration' on Traditional Medicine: A Global Commitment
Explore the WHO's 'Gujarat Declaration' and its global commitment to traditional medicine, indigenous knowledge, and biodiversity. Learn about the summit, its significance, and the future of healthcare.
Introduction
The World Health Organization (WHO) has recently made a significant stride in the realm of traditional medicine with the release of the 'Gujarat Declaration.' This outcome document emerged from the first WHO Traditional Medicine Global Summit held in 2023. The declaration underscores global commitments to preserving indigenous knowledge, biodiversity, and the advancement of traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine (TCIM). In this comprehensive article, we delve into the details of this declaration, the summit, and its broader implications for global healthcare.
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| WHO releases 'Gujarat Declaration' on traditional medicine |
WHO's Commitment to Traditional Medicine
The WHO, established in 1948, plays a pivotal role in global health initiatives. It annually celebrates World Health Day on April 7th, commemorating the First World Health Assembly held on that date in 1948. In 2023, the 76th Annual World Health Assembly took place from May 21 to 30 at the WHO headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, under the theme "WHO at 75: Saving lives, driving health for all."
The First Global Summit on Traditional Medicine
The inaugural WHO Traditional Medicine Global Summit occurred on August 17-18, 2023, in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India. This milestone event was co-hosted by the Ministry of AYUSH and brought together experts and stakeholders from around the world to discuss the future of traditional medicine.
The Significance of 'Gujarat Declaration'
The 'Gujarat Declaration' holds profound significance in the realm of healthcare. It reaffirms global commitments to three essential aspects:
1. Indigenous Knowledge: The declaration underscores the importance of preserving and promoting indigenous knowledge related to healthcare practices. This recognition is a crucial step in acknowledging the valuable insights traditional medicine systems offer.
2. Biodiversity: Biodiversity is a fundamental component of traditional medicine. Many traditional remedies rely on diverse plant and animal species. The declaration emphasizes the need to protect biodiversity, as it is intrinsically linked to traditional medicine practices.
3. Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Medicine (TCIM): The 'Gujarat Declaration' promotes TCIM as a viable approach to healthcare. It advocates integrating traditional and complementary medicine into conventional healthcare systems for a holistic approach to health and well-being.
The Importance of Scientific Rigor
One of the key takeaways from the 'Gujarat Declaration' is the emphasis on rigorous scientific methods. The WHO recognizes that for traditional medicine to gain wider acceptance and effectiveness, it must be subjected to rigorous scientific scrutiny. This approach ensures that traditional practices are better understood, evaluated, and, where appropriate, integrated into modern healthcare.
Scaling Up for Universal Health Coverage
The 'Gujarat Manifesto,' an integral part of the declaration, calls for scaling up efforts to implement evidence-based TCIM interventions. This scaling up aligns with the goal of achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and all health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It acknowledges that TCIM has a role to play in providing accessible and holistic healthcare for all.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the 'Gujarat Declaration'?
The 'Gujarat Declaration' is an outcome document of the first WHO Traditional Medicine Global Summit in 2023. It reaffirms global commitments to indigenous knowledge, biodiversity, and traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine.
Q: When and where was the first Global Summit on Traditional Medicine held?
The first Global Summit on Traditional Medicine took place on August 17-18, 2023, in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India. It was co-hosted by the Ministry of AYUSH.
Q: Why is scientific rigor important for traditional medicine?
Scientific rigor is essential to better understand, evaluate, and integrate traditional medicine into modern healthcare. It ensures that traditional practices are evidence-based and effective.
Q: How does the 'Gujarat Declaration' contribute to Universal Health Coverage?
The 'Gujarat Declaration' calls for scaling up evidence-based TCIM interventions, aligning with the goal of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Q: What is the significance of preserving indigenous knowledge and biodiversity?
Preserving indigenous knowledge and biodiversity is crucial for maintaining the integrity of traditional medicine. It acknowledges the value of traditional practices and the natural resources they rely on.
Q: How can traditional and complementary medicine benefit modern healthcare?
Traditional and complementary medicine can offer holistic and context-specific approaches to healthcare, enhancing the well-being of individuals and communities.
Conclusion
The 'Gujarat Declaration' by the WHO marks a significant step in recognizing the importance of traditional medicine, indigenous knowledge, and biodiversity in global healthcare. It underscores the need for rigorous scientific evaluation while promoting the integration of traditional and complementary medicine into modern healthcare systems. As we move forward, these commitments hold the promise of a more inclusive and holistic approach to health and well-being for all.
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