WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025–2034: A Policy Analysis of Its People-Centered Framework

Abstract

Background:

This policy analysis examines the framework and strategic objectives of the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025–2034, with particular attention to its articulation of a people-centered health systems approach. The analysis explores how the strategy represents an evolution from earlier WHO strategies by embedding principles of holism, equity, cultural respect, and autonomy within its operational guidance for traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine (TCIM), while also interrogating the assumptions and implementation challenges associated with this shift.

Methods:

A qualitative policy document analysis was conducted using thematic synthesis. The WHO Global Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025–2034 was analyzed as the primary source, with supplementary WHO documents used for contextualization. Text segments related to people-centered care were systematically coded and mapped against established domains of patient-centered practice and people-centered health systems, including autonomy, informed choice, cultural appropriateness, coordinated care, and equity. Themes were iteratively refined to assess how people-centered principles are operationalized within the strategy.

Results:

The analysis finds that people-centeredness is structurally embedded across the strategy’s vision, guiding principles, and strategic action areas. Key operational mechanisms include an emphasis on risk-based regulation and safety to support informed choice, integration of TCIM into primary health care to improve equitable access and coordination, and a broadened approach to evidence generation that incorporates patient-reported outcome measures alongside other methodological approaches. However, the analysis also identifies potential vulnerabilities related to variable regulatory capacity, evidence heterogeneity, resource constraints, and contextual differences across health systems.

Conclusion and Policy Implications:

The WHO Global Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025–2034 provides a coherent framework for advancing people-centered integration of TCIM, but its effectiveness depends on careful, context-sensitive implementation. Member States must balance autonomy with safety, cultural respect with scientific rigor, and inclusivity with accountability. Actionable priorities include strengthening risk-based regulatory systems, investing in TCIM research and development infrastructure using pluralistic methodologies, and cultivating interprofessional and multi-stakeholder governance to translate people-centered principles into sustainable health system practice.