Essential Medicines: A Cornerstone of Global Health

The **World Health Organization (WHO)** defines essential medicines as those that effectively and safely treat priority health-care needs. The **WHO Model List of Essential Medicines**, updated every 2 years since 1977, serves as a basis for procurement, supply, and reimbursement of medicines in the public sector. Over 150 countries have adopted national lists based on the WHO Model List, which has been associated with improved health outcomes, increased access, and cost savings. However, challenges remain, including the high cost of new essential medicines, particularly for **cancer** and other noncommunicable diseases, and the threat of **antimicrobial resistance**. The **WHO Essential Medicines List** has expanded in scope and complexity over the years, reflecting advances in medical science and changing global health priorities. For more information, see [[essential-medicines|Essential Medicines]] and [[world-health-organization|World Health Organization]]. The concept of essential medicines has been successfully implemented in various countries and regions, with studies showing that essential medicines lists are associated with greater availability of essential medicines than non-essential medicines, increased access, better prescribing and quality of care, and cost savings. Despite progress, **availability and affordability** of essential medicines remain issues in many countries, with medicines accounting for 20–60% of health spending in developing countries. See [[global-health|Global Health]] and [[healthcare-systems|Healthcare Systems]] for more information.

• The WHO Essential Medicines List is a crucial tool for improving global health
• The list is updated every 2 years to reflect advances in medical science and changing global health priorities
• Over 150 countries have adopted national lists of essential medicines based on the WHO Model List
• The high cost of new essential medicines poses significant challenges to health systems
• The WHO Essential Medicines List must be adapted to address the unique needs of specific populations, such as children and vulnerable groups

The **WHO Essential Medicines List** is a valuable tool for improving access to essential medicines, but its implementation is not without challenges. The high cost of new essential medicines, particularly for **cancer** and other noncommunicable diseases, poses significant challenges for health systems across all income settings. Additionally, the threat of **antimicrobial resistance** necessitates careful stewardship of essential antibiotics. As discussed in [[cancer-treatment|Cancer Treatment]] and [[antimicrobial-resistance|Antimicrobial Resistance]], these challenges require a nuanced and multifaceted approach. While the **WHO Essential Medicines List** has been associated with improved health outcomes and cost savings, its impact can vary depending on the context and implementation. See [[health-systems|Health Systems]] and [[global-health-initiatives|Global Health Initiatives]] for more information.

The **WHO Essential Medicines List** has been a game-changer in global health, ensuring that life-saving treatments are available to those who need them most. By focusing on a limited number of carefully selected medicines, countries can improve supply, promote more rational prescribing practices, and better control costs. The success of the essential medicines concept is a testament to the power of **global cooperation** and **evidence-based decision-making**. As seen in [[global-cooperation|Global Cooperation]] and [[evidence-based-decision-making|Evidence-Based Decision-Making]], this approach has led to improved health outcomes and increased access to essential medicines. With continued support and investment, the **WHO Essential Medicines List** can help achieve **universal health coverage** and save countless lives.

Despite the **WHO Essential Medicines List**, many countries continue to struggle with ensuring universal access to essential medicines. The high cost of new essential medicines and the threat of **antimicrobial resistance** pose significant challenges to health systems, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Furthermore, the **WHO Essential Medicines List** may not always reflect the unique needs of specific populations, such as **children** and **vulnerable groups**. As seen in [[vulnerable-groups|Vulnerable Groups]] and [[childrens-health|Children's Health]], these populations often require specialized care and attention. The **WHO Essential Medicines List** must be adapted to address these challenges and ensure that essential medicines are available and affordable for all who need them. For more information, see [[essential-medicines-access|Essential Medicines Access]] and [[global-health-challenges|Global Health Challenges]].

Originally reported by World Health Organization (WHO)