WHO Model List of Essential Medicines

From Food & Medicine Encyclopedia

The WHO Model List of Essential Medicines is a crucial initiative spearheaded by the World Health Organization (WHO), encapsulating a list of the most efficacious, safe, and cost-effective medicines that are considered fundamental to a functioning healthcare system.

Background and Purpose[edit]

Initiated in 1977, the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines serves as a guide for countries to develop their own national essential medicines list, based on their population's healthcare needs and resources. The aim is to ensure that everyone, regardless of their location or economic status, has access to the most vital medicines for maintaining and improving health.

Criteria for Inclusion[edit]

The medicines included in the list are selected by an expert committee, based on several criteria. These include the burden of disease, evidence of efficacy and safety, and comparative cost-effectiveness. Medicines are reviewed regularly, and the list is updated every two years to ensure it remains relevant to current global health challenges.

Structure of the List[edit]

The list is divided into two sections: the Core List and the Complementary List. The Core List includes medicines that address the most prevalent and significant public health needs, while the Complementary List consists of essential medicines required for more specialized treatments, which may need more specialized diagnostic or monitoring facilities, and/or specialist medical care for their use.

Impacts and Challenges[edit]

The WHO Model List of Essential Medicines has had a significant impact on global health by promoting access to essential medicines as a component of health systems, influencing the research agenda, and encouraging the production and availability of generic medicines. However, challenges such as global supply chain issues, quality assurance, and affordability continue to affect the availability and accessibility of these essential medicines worldwide.

External links[edit]

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