Dr. Saia Ma’u Piukala, the WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific, has raised concerns regarding the fundamental imbalances in global health systems, despite significant advancements in medical science. Speaking after the first plenary session of the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Summit in Delhi, which he chaired, Dr. Piukala emphasized the importance of balance in various contexts—within the individual, societies, and the relationship between humanity and the planet.
He highlighted a key message from the summit: health and well-being are deeply intertwined with balance, a concept that traditional medicine practices, including those in the Pacific, have long recognized. However, he pointed out that in today’s world, characterized by remarkable medical breakthroughs, imbalance has unfortunately become commonplace.
Dr. Piukala identified several forms of imbalance affecting global health outcomes, such as disparities in healthcare access and the value placed on different kinds of knowledge. He expressed concern about the rapid depletion of biodiversity and noted that many communities, particularly indigenous peoples, often derive the least benefit from the knowledge they have preserved over generations.
He explained that the root causes of these inequities are deeply historical, linked to colonization, industrialization, and exploitative economic systems, which have fundamentally altered ecosystems and reshaped knowledge frameworks. According to Dr. Piukala, addressing and restoring this balance entails confronting these historical injustices.
He called for a renewed and more inclusive vision of health that encompasses a holistic, interconnected approach grounded in equity and respect. This, he stated, requires collaboration between traditional medicine, scientific innovation, and modern health systems working in tandem towards common goals.
Dr. Piukala prompted global leaders to reconsider the design and governance of health systems, posing the question of what a truly balanced global health system would resemble, one that harmonizes scientific, economic, and ecological aspects with human knowledge and nature.
In reflecting on the path forward, he stated, “Restoring that balance is both the challenge and the opportunity before us.” He concluded with a profound insight: “If you restore balance in your own self, you will be contributing immensely to the healing of the world.” This message underscores the interconnectedness of individual health and broader societal wellness, signaling hope for a future where balance can be achieved collectively.
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