On Monday, members of the World Health Assembly (WHA) endorsed a new global strategy by the World Health Organization (WHO) aimed at advancing the evidence-based development of Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Medicine (TCIM) over the next decade.
The 78th WHA, WHO’s highest decision-making body convened on 19 May and runs until 27 May, bringing together delegations from 194 member states, including Nigeria, under the theme “One World for Health.”
In formulating the new strategy, member states debated several key components for inclusion. These included establishing a strong evidence base for traditional medicine practices, creating regulatory and safety frameworks, developing integrated healthcare service delivery models where appropriate, and ensuring the availability of qualified practitioners.
The strategy formally acknowledges the importance of indigenous traditional knowledge and emphasises the protection of indigenous rights. It also promotes environmental sustainability and the conservation of biodiversity within the TCIM framework.
Under the 2025–2034 strategy, WHO will support member states in enhancing the evidence base for TCIM, improving the safety, quality and effectiveness of practices, and facilitating, where suitable, the integration of TCIM into national health systems. Cross-sector collaboration will also be optimised.
Implementation and monitoring are identified as core aspects of the strategy. WHO will provide technical assistance and guidance to support member states in adapting and executing the strategy effectively.
The overall objective is to harness the full potential of TCIM to enhance global health and well-being, in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals and Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
Also Read: Nigeria Reaffirms Commitment to Domestic Health Financing at WHA78
WHA Declares World Prematurity Day an Official WHO Campaign
In a related decision, member states have approved the designation of World Prematurity Day as an official WHO health campaign. The campaign aims to bolster efforts to prevent preterm births and ensure lifesaving care for babies born prematurely or with low birth weight.
Preterm births defined as those occurring before 37 completed weeks of gestation remain the leading cause of death among children under the age of five. Complications such as respiratory issues, infections, and hypothermia are common and can lead to long-term disability or poor health outcomes for survivors.
The resolution urges countries to invest in proven, high-impact interventions such as neonatal intensive care units, kangaroo mother care, and family-centred support to improve survival and quality of life for affected infants.
The campaign was adopted as part of discussions on the Global Strategy for Women’s, Children’s and Adolescents’ Health (2016–2030) and aligns with the 2024 resolution to accelerate progress on improving maternal, newborn and child health outcomes.
