World Health Organization essential medicines
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World Health Organization essential medicines The World Health Organization essential medicines list is a catalog of medicines considered essential for public health, updated biennially by the World Health Organization (WHO). This list aims to promote the availability, accessibility, and rational use of medicines, particularly in low-income countries and developing nations. The concept of essential medicines was first introduced in 1977 by the WHO and UNICEF UNICEF as a response to the growing concern about the irrational use of medicines and their impact on public health. The list has since become a cornerstone in global health policy.
History and development
The idea of essential medicines was conceived during a WHO meeting in 1977, which led to the creation of the first model list of essential medicines in 1979. This initiative was driven by the need to address the over-prescription and misuse of medicines, particularly in developing countries. Dr. Halfdan Mahler, then WHO Director-General, played a crucial role in promoting the concept. The list was initially intended for national health systems to guide medicine selection and procurement.
Selection criteria and process
The WHO Expert Committee on the Selection and Use of Essential Medicines, comprising medical experts, pharmacologists, and public health specialists, is responsible for reviewing and updating the list. The selection process involves a rigorous assessment of a medicine's efficacy, safety, and comparative effectiveness. The committee also considers factors such as disease prevalence, treatment guidelines, and pharmacoeconomics. The updated list is then endorsed by the WHO Director-General.
List of essential medicines
The list includes medicines for a wide range of diseases, including infectious diseases such as tuberculosis and malaria, as well as chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension. It also includes vaccines, insulins, and anesthetics. The 2021 list comprises 446 medicines, including 68 antibiotics and 49 cancer medicines. The list is available in multiple languages and serves as a reference for national medicines lists.
Impact and global health role
The essential medicines list has had a significant impact on global health, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. It has helped to improve the availability and accessibility of medicines, reduce health disparities, and promote rational prescribing practices. Many countries have adopted the list as a basis for their national medicines policies, and it has influenced international health policies, including those of the United Nations.
Updates and revisions
The WHO updates the list every two years, incorporating new medicines and removing those that are no longer essential. The revisions are based on new scientific evidence, changes in disease epidemiology, and emerging public health needs. The 2020 list, for example, included new additions such as COVID-19 treatments and gene therapies.
Criticisms and challenges
Despite its successes, the essential medicines list has faced criticisms and challenges. Some argue that the list is biased towards patented medicines, which can be unaffordable for many countries. Others have raised concerns about the availability and accessibility of essential medicines in certain regions, particularly in conflict zones and areas with limited health infrastructure. The WHO has responded to these concerns by promoting access to essential medicines as a human right and encouraging countries to implement national medicines policies that prioritize affordability and availability.