WHO urges to establish rules when promoting traditional medicine

"Traditional medicine is a very important resource but is often overlooked," said Zsuzsanna Jackab, deputy director-general of the WHO, during the 2021 SCO Forum on Traditional Medicine on July 29 in Nanchang, China, adding that efforts should be made to allow it fulfil its role. 

Zsuzsanna Jackab, deputy director-general of the WHO, delivers a speech during the 2021 SCO Forum on Traditional Medicine on July 29 in Nanchang, China. [Photo provided by Wang Jian from China Daily]

According to the 2019 WHO Global Report on Traditional Medicine, 170 countries are currently exploring traditional medicines, with some having established legal and regulatory frameworks.

Zsuzsanna noted that the organization initiated a project that aims to complete an international herbal pharmacopoeia to help member states establish rules in traditional medicine. The goals of the forum coincide with its plans.

The WHO sincerely hopes that a comprehensive mechanism and an information promotion platform can be built to further cooperation for a safer planet.