GENEVA: World Health Organization (WHO) has released its updated editions of Model Lists of Essential Medicines (EML) and Essential Medicines for Children (EMLc), to include key cancer and diabetes treatments, among others. The revisions mark the 24th edition of WHO EML and the 10th edition of EMLc.
WHO Model Lists include medicines for the priority health needs of populations. They are adopted in over 150 countries, serving as a basis for public sector procurement, supply of medicines, and health insurance and reimbursement schemes.
Essential medicines are selected with due regard to disease prevalence and public health relevance, evidence of efficacy and safety, and comparative cost-effectiveness. They are intended to always be available in functioning health systems, in appropriate dosage forms, of assured quality and at prices individuals and health systems can afford.
