The World Health Organization (WHO) has unveiled the “Gujarat Declaration” as the outcome document of the inaugural WHO Traditional Medicine Global Summit 2023, hosted by India in Gujarat. This declaration reaffirms global commitments to indigenous knowledge, biodiversity, and traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine. It aims to promote evidence-based traditional medicine practices for achieving universal health coverage and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to health. The declaration emphasizes the need for standardized documentation and data collection in the field of traditional medicine and explores the potential of digital health technologies, including AI, in advancing traditional medicine.
Facts/Terms for UPSC Prelims
- WHO (World Health Organization): WHO is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. It plays a crucial role in setting global health standards, providing leadership on international health matters, and coordinating health-related activities among nations.
- Gujarat Declaration: The Gujarat Declaration is the official document released at the WHO Traditional Medicine Global Summit 2023, hosted in Gujarat, India. It outlines key commitments and goals related to traditional medicine and healthcare.
- Traditional Medicine: Traditional medicine refers to indigenous or culturally-based healthcare practices that have been passed down through generations. It often includes herbal remedies, acupuncture, and other non-conventional treatments.
- Universal Health Coverage (UHC): Universal Health Coverage is a goal that aims to ensure all individuals and communities receive the quality health services they need without facing financial hardship. It is a key target of the SDGs.
- Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): The SDGs are a set of 17 global goals established by the United Nations to address various social, economic, and environmental challenges. They provide a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet by 2030. Health-related SDGs focus on improving global health and well-being.