World Health Organization (WHO) has unveiled updated versions of its Model Lists of Essential Medicines (EML) and Essential Medicines for Children (EMLc), incorporating new treatments for critical health conditions.
The revised lists now feature medications for various cancers, diabetes with comorbidities like obesity, as well as cystic fibrosis, psoriasis, haemophilia, and blood-related disorders.
WHO official, Dr. Yukiko Nakatani, highlighted on Friday the significance of the update, stating, “The new editions of essential medicines lists mark a significant step toward expanding access to new medicines with proven clinical benefits.”
These lists, adopted by over 150 countries, serve as a cornerstone for guiding medicine procurement, supply chains, and health insurance reimbursement programs globally.
Marking the 24th edition of the EML and the 10th of the EMLc, the update follows a review by the WHO Expert Committee, which evaluated 59 applications, including 31 proposals for new medicines or classes.
As a result, 20 new medicines were added to the EML and 15 to the EMLc, with seven existing products receiving new use indications. The lists now encompass 523 essential medicines for adults and 374 for children, addressing pressing global health priorities.
Since their inception in 1977 to enhance medicine access in developing nations, the EML and EMLc have evolved into a trusted global tool for healthcare systems.
Cancer, the world’s second-leading cause of death, claiming nearly 10 million lives annually, remains a key focus. The WHO applies stringent criteria, listing only cancer therapies proven to extend life by at least four to six months.
“Cancer treatments have been a major focus of the WHO EML for the past decade, with rigorous standards applied to medicine approvals,” the organization noted, underscoring its commitment to impactful therapies.
