Members of the World Health Assembly on Monday agreed on the new WHO global traditional medicine strategy to take forward the development of evidence-based practice of Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine into the next decade.

The 78th WHA, WHO’s highest decision-making body, which opened on May 19 and runs through May 27, brings together delegations from 194 member states, including Nigeria.

In arriving at the strategy, member states debated crucial components for inclusion.

Such included establishing a robust evidence base for traditional medicine practices, developing mechanisms for regulation and safety, creating integrated health-care service delivery models where appropriate, and ensuring qualified practitioners.

With this strategy, the member states explicitly recognised not only the role of traditional knowledge of indigenous peoples but also the upholding their rights, while promoting environmental sustainability and biodiversity conservation in the context of TCIM.

Under the 2025-2034 strategy, WHO will assist member states in strengthening the evidence base for TCIM, bolstering safety, quality and effectiveness, and, where appropriate, facilitating its integration into health systems while optimising cross-sector collaboration.

Implementation and monitoring of the strategy are key elements.

WHO will support member states in implementing and adapting the strategy, providing guidance and technical assistance as needed.

The new strategy aims to unlock the full potential of TCIM to improve global health and well-being in the context of the Sustainable Development Goals and Universal Health Coverage.

In a related development, member states agreed to announce World Prematurity Day as an official WHO health campaign.

The campaign would complement efforts to improve prevention of preterm births and ensure lifesaving health care for babies born early or small.

Preterm births are defined as births that occur before 37 completed weeks of pregnancy.

Related complications, which include difficulties breathing as well as infections and hypothermia, are the leading cause of death amongst children aged under five years.

Those who survive could face significant and long-term disability and ill health.