Traditional Medicine Global Summit To Be Held In Gandhinagar On Aug 17, 18: The inaugural WHO Traditional Medicine Global Summit is scheduled to take place on August 17 and 18, 2023, in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India. This event will intertwine with the G20 health ministerial meeting, creating a dynamic platform aimed at galvanizing both political commitment and evidence-based actions in the realm of traditional medicine. This age-old practice serves as the initial recourse for millions across the globe, catering to their diverse health and well-being requisites.
Daily Current Affairs Quiz: August 2023
A Collaborative Endeavor: WHO and the Government of India as Co-Hosts
- The Global Summit will be jointly orchestrated by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Government of India, which presently holds the esteemed presidency of the G20 for the year 2023.
- The Summit will bring together a diverse range of stakeholders, including traditional medicine practitioners, users, communities, national politicians, international organisations, academia, private sector representatives, and civil society entities.
- Together, they will share pearls of wisdom, groundbreaking evidence, transformative data, and pioneering innovations that underscore the indispensable role of traditional medicine in both health and sustainable development.
Traditional Medicine: A Time-Honored Beacon of Health
- With a legacy spanning centuries, traditional and complementary medicine has woven itself intricately into the fabric of households and communities worldwide. Pioneering the frontiers of medicine and science, it has laid the bedrock for conventional medical frameworks.
- Surprisingly, 40% of current pharmaceutical products can be traced back to natural sources. Furthermore, major medical achievements like aspirin, artemisinin, and paediatric cancer treatments have their roots in traditional medicine.
- As technology ushers in a new era, disciplines like genomics and artificial intelligence are permeating this ancient practice, while thriving industries for herbal medicines, natural products, health, wellness, and holistic travel take flight.
The Global Quest for Knowledge: Data, Evidence, and Equitable Use
- In the wake of surging global interest and demand, WHO in March 2022, fortified by the support of the Government of India, unveiled the WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine.
- This pivotal knowledge hub operates with the mission to synthesize timeless wisdom and contemporary science, forging a path towards enhanced health and well-being for people and the planet.
- With a steadfast focus on partnership, evidence, data, biodiversity, and innovation, the Centre endeavors to optimize traditional medicine’s contribution to universal health coverage, sustainable development, and global well-being. It does so while remaining deeply rooted in the principles of respect for local heritage, resources, and rights.
Key Points for Competitive Examinations
- Director-General of WHO: Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
