Header photo: Pangolin scales (c) Britta Jaschinski / IUCN NL
More than 100 nature and wildlife organizations, including 22 from the Netherlands, have called on the World Health Organization (WHO) to explicitly oppose the use of endangered species in traditional medicine. The call comes as the WHO finalizes its Global Traditional Medicine Strategy for 2025–2034, set for adoption in May 2025.
The appeal is led by Dutch NGO SPOTS, along with the Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) and IUCN NL. They warn that the demand for ingredients derived from wild, often endangered species—such as Asian bears, big cats, rhinos, and pangolins—not only threatens biodiversity but also poses public health risks. Scientists have long cautioned that the illegal wildlife trade increases the likelihood of virus outbreaks.
Currently, the draft strategy lacks a clear position on this issue, raising concerns among conservation and animal welfare organizations. They urge the WHO to take a firm stand against the use of endangered species in traditional medicine and call on countries, including the Netherlands, to advocate for this during the upcoming WHO meeting.
Read the full letter here:
Letter to WHO concerning Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025–2034