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Published (Version of record)CC BY 3.0 IGO, Open Access
Published (Version of record)CC BY 3.0 IGO, Open
Journal article
Global research funding for traditional, complementary and integrative medicine
Bulletin of the World Health Organization, Vol.103(11), pp.649-661D
11/2025
PMID: 41180275
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Abstract
Objective: To explore the global research funding landscape for traditional, complementary and integrative medicine.
Methods: We conducted a three-part study to assess the global research funding landscape. First, we searched the Dimensions database and online sources using Microsoft Copilot and Google between 12 November 2024 and 22 January 2025 for relevant grants. Second, we analysed national research infrastructure using World Health Organization (WHO) data, verified by regional contacts (14 January-28 February 2025). Third, we appraised selected funders across WHO regions, evaluating funding schemes for innovation, capacity-building and alignment with traditional medicine paradigms.
Findings: We identified 39 927 grants in the Dimensions database, with funding data available for 27 019 grants totalling 24.5 billion United States dollars (US$) for the years 1960 to 2024. Most grants (42.6%; 11 548) were valued under US$ 100 000, and half had a duration of 2-4 years. Cancer and cardiovascular diseases accounted for over half (8385/15 273) of topic-categorized grants, receiving US$ 5.8 billion and US$ 2.2 billion, respectively. Funders were concentrated in the Region of the Americas, and European and Western Pacific Regions. Only seven countries had schemes explicitly funding research for traditional, complementary and integrative medicine. Case study analysis of 40 schemes across 12 countries revealed limited support for traditional medicine paradigms, with few schemes meeting criteria for innovation, capacity-building or sensitivity to traditional knowledge systems.
Conclusion: Funding for traditional medicine research remains disproportionately low relative to its global use. Strengthening support from research funding agencies is essential to achieving the goals of the WHO Global traditional medicine strategy 2025–2034.
Details
- Title
- Global research funding for traditional, complementary and integrative medicine
- Creators
- Amie Steel - University of Technology SydneyKirsten Baker - University of Technology SydneyJon Adams - University of Technology SydneyHope Foley - University of Technology SydneyTristan Carter - University of Technology SydneySarah Charnaud - World Health OrganizationGustavo Martin Rossell De Almeida - Pan American Health Organization (United States Of America, Washington)Philippe Doo-Kingue - Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Healthcare (TCIH) CoalitionPradeep Dua - World Health OrganizationPawankumar Ramesh Godatwar - World Health Organization Regional Office for South-East AsiaEunkyung Han - World Health Organization Regional Office for the Western PacificGeraldine Hill - World Health Organization Regional Office for the Western PacificOssy Muganga Julius Kasilo - Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Healthcare (TCIH) CoalitionImmaculee Mukankubito - Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Healthcare (TCIH) CoalitionAdi Al-Nuseirat - World Health Organization Regional Office for the Eastern MediterraneanDorina Pirgari - World Health Organization Regional Office for EuropeAnna Laura Ross - World Health OrganizationJoão Paulo Souza - Pan American Health Organization (Brasil)Robert F Terry - World Health OrganizationGeetha Krishnan Gopalakrishna Pillai - World Health Organization (India, Jamnagar)
- Publication Details
- Bulletin of the World Health Organization, Vol.103(11), pp.649-661D
- Publisher
- World Health Organisation; GENEVA 27
- Grant note
- This study was commissioned by WHO’s Global Traditional Medicine Centre.
- Identifiers
- 991013326828002368
- Copyright
- (c) 2025 The authors.
- Academic Unit
- National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine
- Language
- Arabic; Chinese; English; French; Russian; Spanish
- Resource Type
- Journal article