WHO publishes its new Essential Medicines List

The World Health Organization has published a new edition of its Model List of Essential Medicines, including groundbreaking treatments for hepatitis C and multi-drug resistant tuberculosis.

This will enable public health bodies globally to improve access to innovative medicines with clear clinical benefits. Margaret Chan, director general of the WHO, said: “When new effective medicines emerge to safely treat serious and widespread diseases,  it is vital to  ensure that everyone who needs them can obtain them. Placing them on the WHO Essential Medicines List is a first step in that direction.”

The list is updated every two years by an expert committee, which this year highlighted the urgent need to take action and promote equitable access to several new highly effective medicines, some currently too costly for even high-income countries.