WHO Releases Updated List of Essential Medicines
The World Health Organization (WHO) has released a new list of essential medicines, including a dedicated list for children.
The updated lists comprise 24 dossiers for adult medicines (EML) and 10 for children (EMLc). They include new treatments for serious conditions such as cancer, diabetes, obesity, blood disorders like hemophilia, as well as cystic fibrosis and psoriasis.
WHO says the lists aim to assist over 150 countries worldwide in selecting and accessing the medicines they need, ensuring availability for their populations, and reducing inequalities in healthcare.
Dr. Yukiko Nakatani, Assistant Director-General at WHO, stated: “This new list represents a significant step toward improving access to essential medicines, demonstrating proven health benefits and the potential to significantly impact global public health.”
Cancer remains the second leading cause of death globally, claiming over 10 million lives each year. Consequently, WHO has devoted considerable attention to cancer medicines. The updated list includes drugs such as pembrolizumab, used to treat breast, colon, and lung cancers. Other medicines, including atezolizumab and cemiplimab, have been added as additional options for treating lung cancer.
WHO has also added GLP-1 receptor agonists, including semaglutide, dulaglutide, and liraglutide, used to treat type 2 diabetes and reduce weight in individuals with obesity. WHO notes that these medicines help control blood sugar levels and prevent heart and kidney diseases.
However, their high cost may pose a barrier for patients in need. WHO calls for measures such as promoting generic medicines and making them available at primary healthcare facilities.
The lists were endorsed at the 25th WHO Expert Committee meeting held in Geneva, Switzerland, from May 5 to 9, 2025. During the meeting, 59 medicines were reviewed, including 31 new additions. Twenty new adult medicines and 15 for children were approved, alongside continued inclusion of seven previously listed medicines.
Currently, WHO’s essential medicines lists include 523 adult medicines and 374 for children. WHO explains that these lists help address major health conditions while providing guidance to countries on procuring and delivering essential medicines to their populations.
By: Alex RUKUNDO
