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Donor Agreement Signed Between Ministry of Ayush and World Health Organisation
Context: Ministry of Ayush (MoA) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) signed a Donor Agreement at the WHO Headquarters in Geneva. It outlines financial terms for the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre (GTMC) in Jamnagar, Gujarat.
Global Traditional Medicine Centre (GTMC):
- GTMC is a key hub for evidence-based Traditional Complementary and Integrative Medicine (TCIM), advancing global health and well-being.
- It was established in 2022 by WHO, with support of the Government of India.
- It concentrates on five interconnected areas:
- Research and evidence
- Primary health care and universal health coverage
- Indigenous knowledge and biodiversity
- Digital health applications
- The biennial WHO Global Traditional Medicine Summit and collaborations.
- Focuses: Evidence, data, sustainability, equity, and innovation to enhance traditional medicine’s role in global health and sustainable development.
Traditional medicine:
- Traditional medicine, as defined by the WHO, encompasses the knowledge, skills, and practices rooted in cultural beliefs and experiences, used for maintaining health and treating illnesses.
- Around 40% of today’s pharmaceuticals are based on natural products, with many landmark drugs originating from traditional medicine.
India’s Investment for WHO Global Centre of Traditional Medicine
- The WHO-India donor agreement is part of a $250 million investment from India to support WHO Global Centre of Traditional Medicine.
- WHO stated, this will enhance its traditional medicine capabilities in various technical divisions & regions, promoting global collaboration & solidarity.
- Additionally, a portion of India’s contribution will be allocated to WHO’s Investment Round to fund its core activities from 2025 to 2028.
- India will contribute US$ 85 million over a 10-year period (2022-2032) to support operations of the GTMC.
- The agreement follows the Host Country Agreement signed in March, 2022, which established the GTMC as the first global out-posted Centre for traditional medicine.
- While the new centre is being built, an interim office of WHO-GTMC established at Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda (ITRA).
- ITRA is a WHO collaborating centre and Indian Institution of National Importance.
Collaborative Efforts between Ministry of Ayush engaged with WHO:
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