WHO Model Lists of Essential Medicines (EML)

Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) released updated editions of its Model Lists of Essential Medicines (EML), adding new treatments for various types of cancer, diabetes, and obesity associated with comorbidities.

About WHO Model Lists of Essential Medicines

The Model Lists of Essential Medicines (EML) is a comprehensive catalog of medications that should be available in any healthcare system to meet the most essential health needs of the population. The list is regularly updated to reflect the most current medical knowledge and advancements, helping countries make informed decisions about which medicines to prioritize for public health.

Key Features:

• Purpose: To act as a global register for the minimum medicine needs in healthcare systems worldwide.

• Update Frequency: The list is updated every two years by the Expert Committee on Selection and Use of Essential Medicines.

History of the Essential Medicines List (EML)

• 1970: Tanzania became the first country in the world to compile a national Essential Medicines List (EML).

• 1975: The World Health Assembly requested WHO to assist member states in selecting and procuring essential medicines that are of good quality and available at reasonable costs.

• 1977: WHO published its first Model List of Essential Medicines which included 186 medicines.

Since then, the WHO’s EML has become a standard for countries around the world, helping to guide healthcare systems on how to meet the medical needs of their populations effectively and affordably.

What Defines "Essential Medicines"?

According to WHO, Essential Medicines are those that satisfy the priority health care needs of the population. These medicines are selected based on several critical factors:

1. Disease Prevalence: The medicine should address widespread and critical health concerns.

2. Efficacy and Safety: The medicine should have proven effectiveness and a favorable safety profile.

3. Cost-Effectiveness: Medicines should be affordable and cost-efficient for populations and healthcare systems, ensuring accessibility.

4. Quality Assurance: These medicines must be available in adequate quantities and in appropriate dosages with assured quality.

Essential medicines should be available in such a way that they are accessible to everyone, regardless of socioeconomic status, and should be affordable for individuals and communities.

Key Updates in the Latest WHO Model List

The most recent update of the EML focuses on expanding the range of treatments for chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and obesity, particularly for individuals with comorbidities. These conditions are increasingly becoming global public health challenges due to the rise in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and lifestyle-related conditions.

By adding new treatments for these conditions, the updated list aims to address the growing burden of diseases and enhance patient outcomes, particularly in low-income countries where access to such treatments might otherwise be limited.

Global Impact of WHO's EML

• Global Standard: The EML serves as the foundation for national essential medicines lists in over 150 countries around the world, each adapting it to their local health needs.

• Improved Access: By selecting and promoting cost-effective and high-quality medicines, the EML aims to improve access to life-saving treatments, especially in resource-poor settings.

• Healthcare Prioritization: It helps countries prioritize their healthcare spending on medicines that have the highest public health value, ensuring that the most essential treatments are available and affordable.

Significance of the EML in Public Health Policy

1. Public Health Relevance: Medicines included in the list are selected based on their importance to public health, ensuring they address the most critical health challenges faced by the population.

2. Evidence-Based Selection: Medicines are chosen based on evidence of their effectiveness, safety, and comparative cost-effectiveness in treating prevalent health conditions.

3. Global Collaboration: By following the WHO EML guidelines, countries can collaborate and ensure that essential medicines are universally available, contributing to global health equity.

Conclusion

The WHO Model Lists of Essential Medicines (EML) are a critical tool for ensuring that healthcare systems worldwide have access to the medicines needed to address the most pressing health issues. The updated list, which includes new treatments for cancer, diabetes, and obesity, is part of an ongoing effort to improve healthcare outcomes, especially in resource-limited settings. As countries continue to align their national EMLs with WHO’s recommendations, the world moves closer to ensuring that essential medicines are available and affordable for everyone, everywhere.