The Government of India has committed US$ 85 million over 10 years, 2022–2032, to support the programming of the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre. The agreement was signed by Arindam Bagchi, Permanent Representative of India to the UN, Geneva, and Dr. Bruce Aylward, Assistant Director-General for Universal Health Coverage and Life Course, WHO, in Geneva on Wednesday.
The WHO-India donor agreement is part of a US$ 250 million investment from India in support of the establishment of the WHO Global Centre of Traditional Medicine in 2022, which includes financial support for the work of the Centre, interim premises, and a new building.
“Traditional medicine can allow us to reach those most often left behind. Integration of traditional practice and knowledge is critical to achieving health for all,” said Dr. Bruce Aylward. “India’s commitment and leadership in expanding the evidence-based contribution of traditional medicine to the health and well-being of all people and the planet comes at an opportune moment.”
“India remains committed to supporting WHO in its work to strengthen traditional medicine systems globally for achieving universal health coverage and serving the entire humanity, especially through the Global Centre in Jamnagar, which would help focus these efforts to benefit all Member States,” said Ambassador Arindam Bagchi.
India’s 10-year financial contribution will support a cross-sectoral program of work to strengthen the evidence base for traditional medicine by providing data and evidence on traditional medicine policies, practices, products, and public use. This support is expected to scale up WHO’s capacities on traditional medicine across technical divisions and regions in the spirit of global collaboration and solidarity.
