Bridging Policy and Practice: Strengthening Complementary and Integrative Medicine Through the Lens of the Delhi Declaration.

Abstract

Introduction: Complementary and Integrative Health (CIH) is recognized for its potential to contribute to universal health coverage (UHC), holistic well-being, and patient-centered care. It encompasses traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine, such as Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, and Traditional Chinese Medicine. The Second World Health Organization (WHO) Global Summit on Traditional Medicine, held in New Delhi from December 17 to 19, 2025, concluded with the adoption of the Delhi Declaration.

Methods: Each commitment of the Delhi Declaration is explained with supporting scientific evidence, emphasizing traditional medicine's (TM's) role in addressing global health challenges. Key policy priorities are outlined, and the conceptual framework is presented for consideration of implications.

Results: This article outlines a conceptual framework to advance evidence-based TM for UHC, equity in health care systems, and sustainable development. In the declarations, participating countries committed to prioritizing key policies to strengthen the TM through the generation of evidence, regulation, and safety, as well as integrating CIH into national health systems (particularly primary health care) and optimizing cross-sectoral value through data generation, collaboration, and empowering communities. Each commitment is explained with supporting scientific evidence from peer-reviewed literature, emphasizing TM's role in addressing global health challenges. These priorities align with the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025-2034. The Declaration aims to establish TM as a biocultural heritage, fostering innovation while safeguarding biodiversity and Indigenous rights.

Conclusion: Policy implications, research, and practice are discussed to fulfill the decade-long strategy of WHO and the role of the Delhi Declaration in bringing TM into the main health care systems rather than as a complementary health care. Also, making a policy framework for increased funding, standardized data systems, and multistakeholder partnerships to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3.