Report of 2008 WHO Congress on Traditional Medicine

Abstract

WHO Congress on Traditional Medicine was held in Beijing, China from 7 to10 November 2008. Dr. Margaret Chan, Secretary General of WHO addressed a speech at the opening ceremony, emphasizing the role of traditional medicine (TM) /complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in primary health care and preventive medicine. During the congress, the Beijing Declaration was adopted. The Declaration affirms the importance of government action to promote the integration of TM /CAM into their health care system. In addition, there were four satellite symposia, including the symposium of the World Federation of Acupuncture and Moxibustion Societies (WFAS). In line with the principle of the congress, a session regarding the present status of legislation, education and research in each member country was presented. In the executive committee meeting of WFAS, revision of the constitution and other issues were discussed. The university cooperation working committee of WFAS proposed a project editing an international textbook on acupuncture and moxibustion.