Pune Researcher Takes Ayurveda’s Fight Against Antimicrobial Resistance to WHO Headquarters
During her Geneva visit, Bendale also visited United Nations Office and won a knowledge-based quiz competition organised for the Oxford University delegation.
Bendale participated in discussions with WHO experts during a visit to the headquarters as part of an Oxford University delegation, said a statement issued by the researcher. Pune: Pune-based Ayurveda practitioner and researcher Dr Ishani Bendale has taken the discussion on Ayurveda’s potential role in tackling antimicrobial resistance (AMR) to World Health Organization (WHO) headquarters in Geneva, highlighting the need for rigorous scientific research to assess the contribution of traditional medicine to global healthcare. She emphasised the importance of evidence-based research to explore how Ayurveda could contribute to addressing global health challenges, particularly antimicrobial resistance, which poses a growing threat to public health worldwide. The visit comes amid increasing international interest in evaluating traditional systems of medicine through scientific research and exploring their potential contribution to healthcare. Her work extends beyond healthcare research to international affairs, diplomacy and science communication. She has participated in three consecutive sessions of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women — CSW68, CSW69 and CSW70 — engaging with international discussions on gender equality and women’s empowerment. As part of her engagement at the Oxford Union, she interviewed Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales. Their discussion included the availability of Ayurveda-related information on Wikipedia and the terminology used to describe the traditional medical system. Wales expressed his willingness to connect her with an expert specialising in scientific topics on the platform to facilitate a more detailed discussion. Through her work across Ayurveda, nanomedicine, evidence-based healthcare and international engagement, Bendale continues to explore opportunities to connect traditional medical knowledge with scientific research and global health discussions.