Dr. Saia Ma’u Piukala, the World Health Organization’s Regional Director for the Western Pacific, underscored the pressing need for equilibrium in global health systems, emphasizing that despite remarkable medical and scientific progress, significant challenges remain. Speaking after the first plenary session of the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Summit in Delhi, he reinforced the intricate connections between individual health, societal well-being, and the planet’s health.
Dr. Piukala presented a holistic vision of health that respects traditional medicine systems, particularly those in the Pacific. He emphasized that achieving wellness requires a delicate balance involving the mind, body, community, and nature. However, he noted with concern that even amidst significant advances, the world experiences profound disparities that adversely impact health outcomes.
He highlighted issues such as unequal access to healthcare, the varying valuation of diverse medical practices, and the alarming loss of biodiversity. Dr. Piukala pointed out that marginalized communities, especially indigenous peoples, often gain little from their own traditional knowledge, a predicament rooted in historical and systemic inequities.
Drawing on historical context, he referred to the effects of colonization, industrialization, and exploitative economic systems as ongoing factors contributing to these disparities. He made a compelling case for addressing these entrenched issues as a critical step toward restoring balance in health systems.
Dr. Piukala called for a revitalized vision of health that prioritizes equity and respect. He advocated for strengthened collaboration between traditional medicine, scientific advancement, and contemporary health frameworks, aiming to foster a more inclusive healthcare system.
In his closing remarks, he urged global leaders to reevaluate and redesign health systems with a focus on balance, questioning how global health could improve if economic, ecological, and scientific systems were better aligned with the needs of both people and the environment. He framed the challenge of restoring balance as a profound opportunity for collective healing, reinforcing the idea that individual well-being is essential for the healing of the world at large.