Minister of Health Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim has reaffirmed the Maldives’ commitment to advancing traditional medicine in a safe and evidence based manner, aligned with national health priorities.

The Minister made these remarks while participating in the Ministerial Round Table at the Second WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine, held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on 19 December 2025.

The summit, held under the theme “Restoring Balance: The Science and Practice of Health and Well-Being,” brought together health leaders and global experts to discuss the integration of traditional medicine into modern health systems in line with the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Strategy for 2025 to 2034.

During his intervention, Minister Nazim highlighted the Maldives’ unique context as a Small Island Developing State, noting that communities have long relied on traditional healing practices rooted in biodiversity, marine resources and intergenerational knowledge. He stressed that traditional medicine should complement modern medical practice and be grounded in science, ethics and equity, rather than serve as a replacement.

The Minister outlined several national priorities under the global strategy, including the establishment of a National Traditional Medicine Committee to strengthen governance and coordination, the documentation and ethical study of Maldivian traditional practices, particularly in musculoskeletal care and well-being, and the exploration of integrating traditional medicine into primary healthcare services on selected islands through multisectoral collaboration.

The summit concluded with a keynote address by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who emphasised the importance of science based and people centred approaches to traditional medicine for global health and harmony.

The Ministerial Round Table was attended by 24 health ministers from around the world, along with WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. Participants reaffirmed their commitment to the Delhi Declaration, recognising traditional medicine as a strategic component of universal health coverage.