The Acting Administrative Secretary of the Traditional Medicine Practice Council (TMPC), Dr. Evelyn Abayaah-Issah, represented Ghana at the 79th World Health Assembly (WHA79) side event themed “Youth Leadership to Advance Traditional Medicine for Equity and Access,” held in Geneva, Switzerland.
Her participation underscored TMPC’s growing presence on the global health stage and Ghana’s commitment to advancing traditional medicine at the highest levels of international discourse.

The high-level side event brought together an esteemed gathering of global policymakers and WHO officials, youth leaders and civil society organizations, and representatives from distinguished institutions including the International Pharmaceutical Students’ Federation, EUROCAM/IVAA, and the International Federation of Medical Students’ Associations. Together, these participants convened with a shared purpose to shape the future of traditional medicine and advance its vital role in global health systems.

Dr. Abayaah-Issah actively joined fellow policymakers in championing stronger youth inclusion in traditional medicine policy, education, and healthcare systems. She further highlighted the urgent need to address youth “invisibility” within national health structures, and reaffirmed TMPC’s commitment to empowering young people as key drivers of innovation, equity, and sustainable healthcare.
Her participation reinforced Ghana’s dedication to positioning traditional medicine as a credible, evidence-based component of its national healthcare framework demonstrating that Ghana is not merely a participant in global health conversations, but an active and influential voice shaping their direction.

The discussions at WHA79 reinforced a growing global consensus that traditional medicine is not a relic of the past, but an integral pillar of resilient, inclusive, and sustainable health systems for generations to come. Building on this momentum, TMPC remains committed to: Promoting safe and evidence-based traditional medicine practice, Strengthening supportive policy frameworks for the sector, Fostering international collaborations that advance Ghana’s traditional medicine agenda, Empowering youth as future leaders in traditional and alternative medicine.

TMPC remains resolute in ensuring that Ghana’s rich traditional medicine heritage is recognised, protected, and integrated into modern healthcare systems. This participation at WHA79 marks another significant milestone in the Council’s broader mission to elevate traditional medicine both locally and internationally.