AI Meets Tradition: Global Report Charts Future of Traditional Medicine in the Digital Age

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is opening a new frontier in traditional medicine, blending centuries-old healing practices with modern technological advances to deliver more personalized, effective, and accessible care worldwide.

At the recent AI for Good Global Summit, the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) launched a technical brief titled Mapping the Application of Artificial Intelligence in Traditional Medicine. The report, part of the Global Initiative on AI for Health, outlines how AI can be used responsibly in traditional medicine while protecting cultural heritage and Indigenous data rights.

Traditional Medicine in a New Light

Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine (TCIM) is practiced in over 170 countries and remains vital to the health and wellness of billions. Growing interest in holistic, prevention-focused care is fueling its global popularity. The new report highlights how AI is already enhancing TCIM practices, from diagnostics and drug discovery to biodiversity conservation.

Examples include AI-powered diagnostics used in Ayurgenomics, machine learning to identify medicinal plants in Ghana and South Africa, and AI analysis of traditional medicine compounds to treat blood disorders in South Korea.

“Our Global Initiative on AI for Health aims to help all countries benefit from AI solutions and ensure that they are safe, effective, and ethical,” said Seizo Onoe, Director of the ITU Telecommunication Standardization Bureau. “This partnership brings together the essential expertise of ITU, WHO, and WIPO.”

Data Innovation Meets Cultural Ethics

Central to the report is a call for inclusive and high-quality data collection that respects the diversity of traditional medicine systems. Participatory design is key to ensuring AI applications truly serve local communities and uphold their knowledge systems.

Platforms such as India’s Traditional Knowledge Digital Library and the Virtual Health Library in the Americas demonstrate how AI can be used to document Indigenous knowledge, prevent biopiracy, and foster global collaboration.

“Intellectual property is an important tool to accelerate the integration of AI into traditional medicine,” said Edward Kwakwa, WIPO Assistant Director-General. He highlighted WIPO’s support for Indigenous communities through the recently adopted treaty on intellectual property, genetic resources, and traditional knowledge.

Protecting Data Sovereignty

A strong emphasis is placed on Indigenous Data Sovereignty (IDSov) and the ethical use of AI guided by free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC). The report showcases community-led data governance models from countries like Canada, New Zealand, and Australia, and urges governments to protect Indigenous Peoples’ rights to control and benefit from their data.

“AI must not become a new frontier for exploitation,” warned Dr. Yukiko Nakatani, WHO Assistant Director-General for Health Systems. “We must ensure that Indigenous Peoples and local communities are not only protected but are active partners in shaping the future of AI in traditional medicine.”

A Global Opportunity with Responsibility

The global TCIM market is expected to reach nearly $600 billion by 2025. The integration of AI could further accelerate this growth, offering advanced tools to improve care and expand access. However, the report cautions that risks and knowledge gaps persist.

To address these, the brief recommends the development of holistic policies and frameworks that guide regulation, capacity building, ethical standards, and equitable data governance tailored specifically to TCIM.

The WHO-ITU-WIPO technical brief urges stakeholders to invest in inclusive AI ecosystems that respect cultural diversity and Indigenous data rights; develop national policies and legal frameworks that address the use of AI in traditional medicine; build digital skills and capacity among traditional practitioners; establish global standards for data quality, interoperability, and ethical AI use; and safeguard traditional knowledge through the creation of AI-powered digital repositories and fair benefit-sharing mechanisms.