UAE Integrative Medicine Council Unveils Strategic Commitments to Advance Global Health Practice

The UAE Integrative Medicine Council has announced four pivotal commitments to support the World Health Organisation's Global Traditional Medicine Strategy, reinforcing the nation's leadership in harmonising evidence-based traditional practices with contemporary healthcare.

Abu Dhabi has witnessed a significant advancement in the field of integrative medicine with the opening of the second edition of Al Shifaa Summit for Integrative Medicine at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi. The UAE Integrative Medicine Council has unveiled four transformative commitments designed to advance the objectives of the World Health Organisation’s Global Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025–2034, demonstrating the nation’s commitment to fostering a comprehensive, human-centred approach to healthcare.

These commitments encompass the development of national policies and regulatory frameworks for traditional, complementary and integrative medicine, establishing standards of care and evidence-based clinical guidelines that promote the quality, safety and effectiveness of practices. The council has further pledged to establish the first national research agenda for integrative medicine, harmonised with WHO strategy, to guide scientific research and evidence generation in alignment with national health priorities.

Sheikha Salama bint Tahnoon bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Chairperson of the UAE Integrative Medicine Council, articulated the strategic vision: “The UAE Integrative Medicine Strategy continues to set the national direction for bringing evidence-based traditional and complementary practices together with conventional medicine, supporting a more integrated approach to healthcare.” She emphasised the collaborative partnership with the World Health Organisation, noting that such cooperation enables the nation to connect national priorities with international expertise and broaden opportunities for knowledge exchange.

The third commitment focuses upon enhancing education and developing healthcare workforce capabilities whilst raising public awareness of integrative medicine practices. This initiative supports the development of professional competencies and encourages informed, responsible engagement with evidence-based traditional and complementary approaches. The fourth commitment centres upon expanding international cooperation and knowledge exchange through collaboration with WHO and international partners, strengthening the UAE’s contribution to the global development of integrative medicine in support of health, wellbeing and quality of life.

The summit, unfolding under the compelling theme “Tradition, Science and the Future of Integrative Medicine”, brings together an exceptional assembly of experts, practitioners, researchers and innovators from the UAE and the international community. Participating institutions include United Arab Emirates University, Zayed Complex for Herbal Research and Traditional Medicine, New York University Abu Dhabi, Kyung Hee University Korean Medicine Hospital, and the NICM Health Research Institute, amongst others. The programme encompasses panel discussions addressing regulation, quality and accountability, complemented by scientific evidence presentations, an interactive exhibition connecting traditional knowledge with contemporary research, and sessions devoted to research innovation and scientific foundations.

Source: WAM