By Juliet Jacob Ochenje
The World Health Organisation (WHO) on Wednesday published the new edition of the Model Lists of Essential Medicines (EML) and Essential Medicines for Children (EMLc).
These are important new medicines for the treatment of multiple sclerosis, cancer, infectious diseases, and cardiovascular conditions, among others.
The updated Model Lists aim to facilitate greater access to innovative medicines that show clear clinical benefits. These treatments could have a very large public health impact globally without jeopardizing the health budgets of low- and middle-income countries.
According to the Director General of the WHO, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, “for over 40 years, countries all over the world have relied on the WHO Essential Medicines List as a definitive, evidence-based guide the most important medicines for delivering the biggest health impact.
”Rising prices and supply chain disruptions mean that all countries now face increasing problems in ensuring consistent and equitable access to many quality-assured essential medicines. WHO is committed to supporting all countries to overcome these obstacles to increase access with equity.
“For the 2023 update, 85 applications, encompassing over one hundred medicines and formulations, were considered by the WHO Expert Committee on Selection and Use of Essential Medicines. The recommended changes bring the total number of medicines on the EML and EMLc to 502 and 361, respectively.”
Dr. Tedros added, “The List is an important tool for achieving universal health coverage, providing guidance to governments, health facilities and procurers on which medicines are the best value in terms of benefits for individuals and communities.”
