Revising the procedures for updating WHO’s model lists of essential medicines: consultation report, Geneva, Switzerland, 2-3 November 2023

Overview

First published in 1977 and updated every two years, the WHO Model List of Essential Medicine serves as a guide for countries or regional authorities to adopt or adapt in accordance with local priorities and treatment guidelines for the development and updating of national and institutional essential medicine lists. It is a key tool for achieving UHC because it supports governments, health facilities, and procurers in identifying which medicines are the best options in terms of benefits for individuals and communities.

The current procedure for updating the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines was established in 2001. This represents the only major revision to the EML selection process since the first Model List was published in 1977.

A consultation meeting for revising procedures for updating the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines was convened by WHO at its headquarters in Geneva on 2-3 November 2023. Discussions traced the EML’s evolution since 1977, underscoring its ongoing role in enabling universal health coverage despite the pricing and feasibility barriers posed by new innovative treatments. Successes were noted in expanding global availability of antibiotics, cancer therapies, and other essential medicines such as antivirals against hepatitis C. Nevertheless, delays in access due to price barriers persist, and feasibility issues are emerging such as diagnosis of complex diseases, highlighting opportunities to refine evidence-based selection processes.