WHO Congress on Traditional Medicine

7-9 November 2008, Beijing, China

Highlights of the first WHO Congress on Traditional Medicine

Traditional Medicine. Satellite symposia were held to discuss related technical topics presented by organizations such as the World Self Medication Industry, the World Federation of Acupuncture-Moxibustion Societies, the World Federation of Chiropractic and the International Pharmaceutical Federation. In total, approximately 1500 people were present at all the events.

• The "Beijing Declaration" was adopted, promoting the safe and effective use of traditional medicine. It calls on WHO Member States and other stakeholders to take steps to integrate traditional medicine (TM) / complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) into national health systems.
• Member States shared national experiences and information in five areas, which will aid countries in taking further action in the future:
  • National Policy on TM/CAM
  • National Regulation of Traditional and Herbal Medicines
  • TM in Primary Health Care
  • National Regulation of TM/CAM Practice
  • Research on TM/CAM
  
  
  3. Participants visited community health centers, clinics and hospitals of traditional medicine, which are models to show how traditional medicine and western medicine have worked together and how they have been integrated into China's health systems
  
  

  International Forum on Integration of TM/CAM into Health System

  During the International Forum on Integration of TM/CAM into Health Systems, 26 delegates presented short national reports outlining the regulatory framework for traditional medicine, products and practice, in their respective countries. To facilitate discussion, the presentations were separated into five topic areas: National Policy on TM/CAM and integration into national health systems; National Regulation of Traditional and Herbal Medicines; Traditional Medicine in Primary Health Care; National Regulation of TM/CAM Practice; and Research and Development of Traditional Medicine. While presentations demonstrated that it is often necessary to tailor legislation and delivery to reflect the needs and traditions of the individual countries, a number of common themes and issues did emerge. Most notable of these was the importance of practitioner training; issues related to safety; the need to enhance research into both products and practices; the importance of labelling and information as this relates to supporting informed choice; and the need for appropriate integration into primary health care.

  Delegates also heard from two WHO partners (The Nippon Foundation and the Regional Government for Lombardy) who described their work in this area. The four Non-Governmental Organizations who were hosting satellite symposia were also given the opportunity to make presentations and observe at the Congress.

  
  

  "Beijing Declaration"

  
  

  The key outcome of the Congress was the "Beijing Declaration", which identified common aims and principles reached by participants at the Congress. The preparation of the declaration was structured. Prior to the Congress, the first draft was sent out, and comments were gathered and modifications made accordingly. A second draft was sent to participants before the Congress. During the Congress, an ad hoc drafting team was created to discuss and harmonize the comments submitted to WHO prior to the Congress and to enable the Declaration to be adopted during by the Congress.

  During the final session of the International Forum, chaired by the Minister of Health of the Union of Myanmar, Congress delegates adopted the Beijing Declaration. In addition to preamble text noting a number of related initiatives and reflecting the importance of national contexts with regard to capacity, priorities and relevant legislation, the declaration identified the following six articles:

  • The knowledge of traditional medicines, treatments and practices should be respected, preserved, promoted and communicated widely and appropriately based on the circumstances in each country;
  • Governments have a responsibility for the health of their people and should formulate national policies, regulations and standards, as part of comprehensive national health systems to ensure appropriate, safe and effective use of traditional medicine;
  • Recognizing the progress of many governments to date in integrating traditional medicine into their national health system, we call on those who have not yet done so to take action;
  • Traditional medicine should be further developed based on research and innovation in line with the “Global Strategy and Plan of Action on Public Health, Innovation and Intellectual Property” adopted at the 61st World Health Assembly in 2008.
  • Governments, international organisations and other stakeholders should collaborate in implementing the global strategy and plan of action;
  • Governments should establish systems for the qualification, accreditation or licensing of traditional medicine practitioners. Traditional medicine practitioners should upgrade their knowledge and skills based on national requirements; and
  • The communication between conventional and traditional medicine providers should be strengthened and appropriate training programmes be established for health professionals, medical students and relevant researchers.

  The Beijing Declaration will serve to promote the safe and effective use of traditional medicine, and to call on WHO Member States and other stakeholders to take steps to integrate TM/CAM into national health systems.

  During the closing of the International Forum, Dr Carissa Etienne, WHO Assistant Director-General for Health Systems and Services said, "This is a landmark declaration, after a landmark Congress."

  Beijing Declaration