Subscribe

0

World Health

WHO Seeks Experts to Update Essential Medicines Lists for 2025

The World Health Organization (WHO) is seeking applications for its 25th Expert Committee meeting to revise and update the WHO Model Lists of Essential Medicines (EML) and Essential Medicines for Children (EMLc), which define critical medications for universal access to healthcare, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The meeting, set for April 7-11, 2025, will bring together international experts to review evidence and update the lists, aiming to improve health outcomes globally." This description focuses on the primary topic (WHO's Expert Committee meeting), main entities (WHO, Expert Committee), context (global healthcare, particularly in low- and middle-income countries), significant actions (revising and updating the EML and EMLc lists), and objective details (meeting date, purpose, and goal). This summary will guide the AI in creating an accurate visual representation of the article's content, such as an image featuring the WHO logo, a globe, or a medical setting, conveying the importance of accessible healthcare globally.

author-image
Aqsa Younas Rana
New Update
WHO Seeks Experts to Update Essential Medicines Lists for 2025

WHO Seeks Experts to Update Essential Medicines Lists for 2025

The World Health Organization (WHO) has opened applications for its 25th meeting of the WHO Expert Committee on Selection and Use of Essential Medicines, set to take place from April 7-11, 2025. The deadline for submissions is November 1, 2024.

The objective of the meeting is to revise and update the WHO Model Lists of Essential Medicines (EML) and Essential Medicines for Children (EMLc). These lists define the medications that should be accessible to people at all times in sufficient quantities and at affordable prices to meet priority healthcare needs.

Why this matters: The WHO's Essential Medicines Lists play a critical role in ensuring universal access to lifesaving treatments, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. By updating these lists, the WHO can help address gaps in healthcare systems and improve health outcomes globally.

The WHO reviews and updates the Model Lists every two years based on factors such as disease prevalence, public health relevance, evidence of efficacy and safety, and cost-effectiveness. Over 130 countries use the lists as a model to develop their own national essential medicines lists and guide purchasing decisions.

The EMLc was created to systematically consider the specific needs of children, including the availability of proper formulations. Applicants are "strongly encouraged" by WHO to contact the EML Secretariat for guidance on preparing submissions before the deadline. The Secretariat aims to provide feedback and support to ensure all applications meet the mandatory requirements and comply with the updated 'Instructions for applicants' guide.

The WHO Model Lists serve as an evidence-based guide for countries to achieve universal health coverage by making essential medicines readily available. Medicines on the lists span a wide range of categories, including anesthetics, preoperative medicines, medical gases, pain and palliative care, antiallergics, medicines used in anaphylaxis, and treatments for nervous system diseases.

The upcoming 25th Expert Committee meeting in April 2025 will bring together international experts to review the latest evidence and update the WHO Model Lists of Essential Medicines and Essential Medicines for Children. With the application deadline set for November 1, 2024, the WHO encourages interested parties to engage with the EML Secretariat for guidance on preparing submissions that meet the necessary requirements.

Key Takeaways

  • WHO opens applications for 25th Expert Committee meeting on Essential Medicines (April 7-11, 2025).
  • Deadline for submissions is November 1, 2024.
  • Meeting aims to update WHO Model Lists of Essential Medicines and Essential Medicines for Children.
  • Lists ensure universal access to lifesaving treatments, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
  • Over 130 countries use WHO lists as a model for their national essential medicines lists.