WHO Updates Essential Medicines List
The World Health Organization (WHO) released the 24th edition of its Model List of Essential Medicines (EML) and the 10th edition of the Essential Medicines for Children (EMLc) in 2025. These updates reflect new treatments for cancer, diabetes, obesity, and other diseases. The lists guide over 150 countries in medicine procurement and healthcare policies. This edition aims to improve access to life-saving drugs worldwide.
Significance
WHO’s EML and EMLc identify medicines that meet priority health needs. Launched in 1977, they support public health systems globally. The lists influence government procurement, insurance coverage, and reimbursement schemes. Regular updates ensure inclusion of effective and affordable medicines for emerging health challenges.
New Additions and Revisions
The Expert Committee reviewed 59 applications and added 20 new medicines to the EML and 15 to the EMLc. Seven existing medicines received new use indications. The lists now include 523 essential medicines for adults and 374 for children. These medicines address urgent issues like cancer, diabetes, cystic fibrosis, psoriasis, haemophilia, and blood disorders.
Cancer Medicines and Access Strategies
Cancer causes nearly 10 million deaths annually and is a leading cause of premature mortality. The Committee included only cancer drugs with proven benefits of extending life by four to six months. Notable additions include PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint inhibitors like pembrolizumab, atezolizumab, and cemiplimab for metastatic cancers. Emphasis was placed on clinical and health system strategies such as dose optimisation to improve affordability and accessibility, especially in resource-poor settings.
Diabetes and Obesity Treatments
Diabetes affects over 800 million people, and obesity impacts more than 1 billion globally. The Committee added glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists such as semaglutide, dulaglutide, liraglutide, and the dual GLP-1/GIP agonist tirzepatide. These medicines improve blood sugar control, reduce heart and kidney complications, aid weight loss, and lower mortality risk in type 2 diabetes patients with comorbidities. High costs limit access, prompting calls for generic competition and integration into primary care.
Challenges in Access and Affordability
Out-of-pocket spending on essential medicines remains high, especially for noncommunicable diseases. WHO stresses the need for strong political will, multisectoral cooperation, and people-centred health programmes to ensure equitable access. The organisation will continue monitoring pricing and support countries in expanding availability of these medicines.
Expert Committee and Process
The 25th WHO Expert Committee met in Geneva in May 2025. It assessed medicines on effectiveness, safety, cost, and cost-effectiveness. The Committee also reviewed antibiotic classifications under the AWaRe framework. The biennial update process ensures the lists remain relevant to current global health priorities.
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