The TCIH Coalition, comprising over 300 organisations in the field of Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Healthcare (TCIH) globally, have published a position paper titled “The Contribution of Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Healthcare (TCIH) to Addressing Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR).” With the upcoming annual  World AMR Awareness Week, 18-24 November, the paper highlights the potential of TCIH therapies in reducing antibiotic use and fostering a comprehensive and holistic approach to healthcare. The TCIH Coalition emphasises the importance of acknowledging the role of TCIH by urging action across six key areas, encompassing policy, healthcare delivery, and research and development (R&D), in order to effectively realise the global goals for addressing AMR.

The added value of TCIH to mitigating AMR

TCIH practices prioritise holistic health and prevention, underscoring the principles of the One Health approach to harmonise and optimise the well-being of individuals, animals, and the environment. TCIH offers non-antibiotic treatment options, with the potential to decrease the over and misuse of antibiotics and it is a valuable  adjunct therapy alongside conventional treatments, to reduce relapse rates and improve patient well-being. Additionally, as patient awareness and use of TCIH therapies continues to grow, it is crucial to promote informed decision-making.

Calling for the inclusion of TCIH in AMR strategies

To fully harness the potential of TCIH mitigating AMR, the TCIH Coalition calls for the inclusion of TCIH across all aspects of healthcare. As part of these efforts, we urge policymakers, healthcare providers, and researchers to further the inclusion of TCIH in international and national policies, promote their integration into primary healthcare delivery systems, AMR stewardship programmes and guidelines. Additional efforts should be made to develop R&D strategies that support effective data collection and strengthen the evidence-base for TCIH therapies in AMR prevention and treatment. 

The TCIH Coalition is committed to global cross-sectoral actions to collectively fight AMR, in a One Health approach.

Read the full position paper for more information:

About the TCIH Coalition

The TCIH Coalition is a global network of civil society organisations committed to promoting Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Healthcare as an integral part of healthcare systems. The Coalition advocates for patient-centered care, research, training, regulation, and the recognition of TCIH.

For media inquiries and further information, please contact info@tcih.org