The World Health Organisation (WHO) has unveiled the Traditional Medicine (TM) Global Library, a pioneering digital platform that brings together 1.6 million resources on traditional medicine, ranging from scientific research to Indigenous knowledge systems.
The platform, launched on Monday in New Delhi at the close of the second WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine, is designed to improve access to credible information and accelerate global research on traditional medicine. The Summit was jointly organised by WHO and the Government of India.
According to WHO, the digital library features innovative tools such as Evidence Gap Maps and an artificial intelligence-powered assistant, TMGL GPT, aimed at helping researchers, policymakers and practitioners navigate trusted data more efficiently.
Innovation was also highlighted with the launch of Health & Heritage Innovations (H2I), an initiative created to support breakthrough ideas that combine traditional practices with modern technologies, including artificial intelligence, genomics and digital health solutions. From more than 1,000 global submissions, 21 finalists were selected to participate in a year-long acceleration programme offering scientific, regulatory and investment support.
WHO further announced the establishment of the Strategic and Technical Advisory Group on Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine (STAG-TM), made up of 19 independent experts. The advisory group will guide research priorities, standard-setting and the integration of traditional medicine into national health systems. At its inaugural meeting, the group identified evidence generation, preservation of traditional knowledge, digital innovation and capacity building as urgent priorities.
The Summit also produced the Delhi Declaration, endorsed by 26 WHO Member States, signalling renewed global commitment to integrating traditional medicine into primary health care. The declaration emphasises stronger regulation and safety standards, increased investment in research, and the development of interoperable data systems to track health outcomes.
WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, said the commitments marked a shift from recognition to concrete action. He noted that traditional medicine could help address noncommunicable diseases, inequitable access to healthcare and climate-related health challenges, while supporting person-centred and culturally grounded care.
Looking ahead, WHO said it would work with Member States to implement the Global Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025–2034, aimed at embedding traditional medicine into health systems globally and promoting more inclusive, resilient and evidence-based care.
The Summit attracted more than 16,000 online participants and 800 delegates from over 100 countries, including ministers from more than 20 nations. Discussions focused on how safe, affordable and evidence-based traditional medicine can strengthen health systems worldwide.