The World Health Organization (WHO) is set to launch the Traditional Medicine Global Library (TMGL) in December 2025. This event will coincide with the WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine, which will be held in New Delhi, India. This significant initiative aims to create a comprehensive digital repository for traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine worldwide, addressing the historical underrepresentation of these practices in scientific and policy discussions.
The TMGL is designed to collect, preserve, and disseminate diverse information, ensuring equitable access to knowledge that is a cornerstone of health for billions globally. This launch aligns with the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025–2034, which was approved by WHO member states in May 2025, and emphasizes developing a robust evidence base while respecting Indigenous knowledge systems. The strategy acknowledges traditional medicine as a dynamic field with immense potential, a sentiment echoed by the fact that 88% of WHO member states report its use and approximately 80% of the world's population uses it. Approximately 40% of modern medicines are of natural origin, highlighting the importance of traditional medicine for modern pharmacology. The global market for traditional medicine is projected to reach $583 billion by 2025, indicating growing acceptance and demand.
Historically, traditional medicine has been a vital source of healing, with many modern pharmaceuticals derived from traditional knowledge. The TMGL seeks to honor and expand upon this heritage by providing a centralized platform for learning and decision-making. By mid-2025, the library will integrate over 1.5 million records, including evidence maps, journals, multimedia collections, and policy documents, supported by six regional portals and 194 country-specific pages. The initiative also prioritizes the preservation of Indigenous knowledge systems.
The integration of traditional medicine into mainstream healthcare presents opportunities and challenges, including regulatory hurdles. However, the growing global movement towards holistic health approaches highlights the increasing recognition of traditional medicine's role in preventive care and managing chronic diseases. The WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine, themed "Restoring balance: The science and practice of health and well-being," will further explore scientific innovations, biodiversity protection, and the potential of artificial intelligence in this field. The TMGL represents a forward-thinking approach to health, making profound traditional wisdom accessible to all and fostering more inclusive, equitable, and effective healthcare solutions. To ensure a high level of preparation for the summit and strategy development, 15 experts in traditional medicine, public health, and policy were appointed.