Oluwatobi Adu 
ABUJA, Nigeria – The World Health Organization has opened submissions for the 2027 update of its Model Lists of Essential Medicines, inviting experts worldwide to propose new treatments for inclusion in what is widely regarded as the global benchmark for healthcare systems.
In a statement released Friday, WHO confirmed that its Expert Committee will meet in Geneva from May 3 to 7, 2027, to evaluate submissions based on safety, effectiveness, cost, and public health relevance.
The review process—conducted every two years—guides over 150 countries in determining priority medicines for national healthcare systems, influencing procurement, access, and treatment standards globally.
“Essential medicines are those that satisfy the priority healthcare needs of populations,” the agency said, emphasising that the list supports equitable access regardless of a country’s income level.
Applications will remain open until November 6, 2026, with WHO urging early engagement to ensure compliance with updated submission guidelines.
The review comes amid growing global demand for equitable access to life-saving treatments, particularly in low- and middle-income countries facing rising disease burdens and constrained health budgets.
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Mirian Gom 
