The Global Summit was co-hosted by WHO and the Government of India, which holds the presidency of the G20 in 2023. This is a platform for all stakeholders to exchange and contribute ideas on the effects of traditional medicine on health.

For centuries, traditional medicine has been an integral resource for health in households and communities. It has been at the frontiers of medicine and science laying the foundation for conventional medical texts. Around 40% of pharmaceutical products today have a natural product basis, and landmark drugs derive from traditional medicine, including aspirin, artemisinin, and childhood cancer treatments.

Currently, 170 Member States reported to WHO on the use of traditional medicine and have requested evidence and data to inform policies, standards, and regulations for its safe, cost-effective.

In response to this increased interest and demand, WHO, with the support of the Government of India, established in March 2022 the WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine as a knowledge hub with a mission to catalyze ancient wisdom and modern science for the health and well-being of people and the planet.

According to the who.int/smcp