World Health Organization policy diffusion Mechanisms on Traditional and Complementary Medicine

Abstract

This paper discusses the role of the World Health Organization (WHO) regarding traditional and complementary healthcare practices. Known in Brazil as Integrative and Complementary Health Practices (PICS), it involves treatment systems and resources based on traditional or unconventional knowledge for multidimensional care - physical, emotional and spiritual - of each individual's needs. The WHO, established in 1948 as a specialized international governmental organization within the United Nations, has contributed to international cooperation on health issues and the topic has been part of its discussions since the late 1960s. In this context, the question guiding this research is: what policy diffusion mechanisms has the WHO adopted with regard to traditional and complementary medicine? Diffusion mechanisms mean instruments adopted by an agent with the potential to influence the policies of agents in other jurisdictions. The research was carried out using a qualitative approach, consulting primary and secondary sources, and has an analytical-descriptive purpose. The results suggest that the WHO has adopted soft policy diffusion mechanisms, with an emphasis on learning and socialization, disseminating technical-scientific knowledge and sharing good practices to overcome the political-institutional challenges related to the issue. The coordination function is evidenced by the exploratory surveys of the progress made towards implementation, the challenges regarding adoption in member states` health systems, as well as the recent establishment of the WHO World Center for Traditional Medicine.