Maximizing the potential that TM/CAM offers for improving health status worldwide is a daunting task, covering a diverse range of activities and demanding many types of expertise. Fortunately, the number of organizations working on TM/CAM issues, and whose assistance WHO can call upon, is growing. Some of these organizations are described below. An indication is also given of any collaboration between these organizations and WHO that has already taken place.

"The recognition by governments of the importance of traditional medicine for the health of the populations in the Region and the creation of an enabling environment are the basis for the optimization of the use of traditional medicine. Sustainable political commitment and support from policy-makers, traditional medicine practitioners, NGOs, professional associations, the community, teaching and training institutions and other stakeholders, created through advocacy and utilization of social marketing and participatory methods are required."²