Content area
Abstract
Embracing principles such as Universal Health Coverage (UHC), preventive healthcare, multi-sectoral collaborations, social justice, environmental responsibility, and digital technology innovations can pave the way for more equitable and resilient societies. The Declaration of Astana 2018, the Helsinki Declaration 2020, and the Geneva Charter for Well-being 2021, developed by the World Health Organization (WHO), advocate a well-being economy with a primary focus on primary healthcare to achieve equity, social justice, and community empowerment. [...]the Shanghai Declaration 2016 and WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy acknowledge the growing importance of Indigenous Knowledge (IK) and Traditional Medicine (TM) in advancing health goals. [...]the 76th World Health Assembly in May 2023 resolved to develop a new WHO Global Strategy for Traditional Medicine 2025–2034, recognizing the benefits of TCIM demonstrated in managing various health conditions including the COVID-19 pandemic. 1.1 TCIM for global health In the current healthcare scenario, the experiential wisdom of IK/TCIM systems can be a valuable ally in providing a holistic and culturally sensitive approach to healthcare. TCIM also supports local herbal medicine industries, traditional healing centers, and wellness tourism, thus stimulating economic growth in rural and marginalized areas, and contributing to sustainable development and poverty reduction. 1.2 Evidence-based integration Evidence-based integration is vital in bridging the gaps in conventional healthcare which is more about symptomatic care based on the diagnose-dispense-refer model.