Global health is approaching a significant turning point, and Brazil will be its epicenter. From October 15-18, 2025, Rio de Janeiro will host the 3rd World Congress on Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine (WCTCIM), an event set to redefine public health strategies. Organized by the Brazilian Academic Consortium for Integrative Health (CABSIN), the International Society for Traditional, Complementary & Integrative Medicine Research (ISCMR), and the European Society of Integrative Medicine (ESIM), this congress is the first of its kind in Latin America.
The event’s theme is “Strengthening Global Public Health through TCIM: Knowledge Diversity, Well-Being Societies, and Planetary Health.” It provides a platform for dialogue between ancestral knowledge and modern science. Therefore, the 3rd WCTCIM is an essential gathering for professionals committed to creating a sustainable and integrative future for healthcare.
A New Paradigm for Global Health
Fostering a Holistic and Humanized Vision
The current global public health model faces significant challenges. The 3rd WCTCIM proposes a shift away from a reductionist view of the human body as a machine that simply breaks down. Instead, it promotes a holistic vision that encompasses physical, mental, and social well-being.
This new paradigm integrates diverse knowledge systems, valuing everything from indigenous wisdom to cutting-edge scientific research. Consequently, it aligns with the World Health Organization (WHO) Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025-2034. The goal is a rehumanization of healthcare, where concepts like prevention, health promotion, and salutogenesis become central to care.
Brazil’s Pioneering Role in the WCTCIM
Brazil serves as an ideal host for this global conversation. The country possesses two key assets: the world’s greatest biodiversity, a rich source of medicinal plants, and one of its largest public health systems. This combination creates a unique environment for advancing integrative medicine.
The Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS) has successfully implemented a National Policy on Integrative and Complementary Practices for nearly two decades. Today, these practices are available in approximately 80% of Brazilian cities, offering a proven model for integrating TCIM into national healthcare systems worldwide. This experience provides valuable lessons for the global community attending the WCTCIM.
Building an Evidence-Based, Collaborative Future
A rigorous evidence base is essential for exploring the potential of Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Medicine (TCIM). The congress emphasizes the need for scientific validation to build a patient-centered, sustainable, and responsible healthcare system. Beyond validating practices, this approach ensures their safe and effective integration.
The demand for TCIM is growing globally. Both governments and citizens are increasingly requesting these options, prompting organizations like the WHO to engage more seriously. This movement reflects a collective desire for a more comprehensive approach to health that honors diverse cultural traditions and beliefs.
From Indigenous Wisdom to Planetary Health
Many traditional societies have developed deeply sustainable ways of living in harmony with nature. Their medical knowledge, rooted in ecosystems and intergenerational learning, is not only a cultural asset but also a key to protecting biodiversity. This wisdom is a cornerstone of the WCTCIM discussions.
This perspective connects human health directly to the health of the planet. It emphasizes that caring for ecosystems is a fundamental part of caring for people. Consequently, the congress promotes an inter-epistemic dialogue between traditional knowledge and conventional science to achieve better outcomes for both humanity and the environment.
An Invitation to Co-Create the Future of Health
The 3rd WCTCIM is more than an event; it is a global gathering to redefine health. It invites researchers, clinicians, policymakers, and advocates to join a collaborative effort to build a more equitable and inclusive future. Traditional medicine is not an alternative but an essential component of a sustainable health system.
Join this historic dialogue in Rio de Janeiro to share knowledge and shape the future of global well-being. This is an opportunity to connect with leaders from around the world and contribute to a new era of healthcare.
Register and Participate
