ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE. WHO AND STRATEGY IN THE FIELD OF FOLK MEDICINE

Abstract – Traditional and complementary medicine (T&CM), including various forms of folk medicine, remains a fundamental component of healthcare systems worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly 80% of the global population relies on traditional medicine for primary healthcare needs. Increased global interest in natural, holistic, and culturally rooted therapeutic approaches has led to the integration of complementary medicine into modern healthcare frameworks. This article examines the conceptual foundations of alternative and folk medicine, the strategic policies developed by WHO to regulate and promote safe use, and the challenges related to quality control, safety, efficacy, and integration into national health systems. Special attention is given to WHO’s Traditional Medicine Strategy and its goals of regulation, research development, universal health coverage, and sustainable integration. Understanding these frameworks provides insight into how traditional medical knowledge can be harmonized with evidence-based biomedical practice. Keywords: Alternative medicine; Traditional medicine; Folk medicine; WHO strategy; Integrative healthcare; Herbal medicine; Regulation; Global health policy.