Local wisdom refers to the indigenous knowledge, practices, and cultural values that communities have developed over generations in responding to health challenges. Despite growing global interest, the role of local wisdom in strengthening public health systems remains underexplored in the international literature. This study aims to systematically examine how local wisdom contributes to public health promotion and disease prevention across diverse cultural contexts. A systematic literature review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. Databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar were searched for peer-reviewed articles published between 2013 and 2024. A total of 42 studies met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed thematically. Findings reveal that local wisdom manifests in three primary domains: traditional healing practices integrated into primary healthcare, community-based health norms that reinforce preventive behaviors, and indigenous dietary habits that align with nutritional health objectives. Studies demonstrated that communities engaging local wisdom in health programs showed improved health-seeking behavior, higher vaccination uptake, and better management of non-communicable diseases. However, challenges such as stigmatization, lack of scientific validation, and policy gaps hinder systematic integration. This review concludes that local wisdom represents a valuable yet underutilized resource for global public health. Integrating culturally rooted knowledge into health policy and practice can improve health equity, community engagement, and sustainable health outcomes. Future research should prioritize evidence-based frameworks for the ethical incorporation of local wisdom into formal health systems.
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