World Health Organization program for the selection and use of essential medicines

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Pharmacoeconomics
• Global Health Policy

Background:

• The World Health Organization (WHO) program on essential medicines guides nations in identifying and ensuring access to crucial medications.
• The initial 1977 Model List featured 186 drugs; the current list comprises over 300 essential medicines.
• The principle of universal access to essential medicines is endorsed by 156 countries, though implementation varies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline the WHO's role in defining and promoting access to essential medicines globally.
• To highlight ongoing challenges in the essential medicines program, including rare disease drug inclusion and pediatric formulations.
• To underscore the enduring relevance of essential medicines in managing healthcare costs and meeting population health needs worldwide.

Main Methods:

• Review of WHO Essential Medicines Program documentation and historical lists.
• Analysis of global adoption and implementation of essential medicines policies.
• Identification of current challenges and areas for program development.

Main Results:

• The WHO Essential Medicines List has expanded significantly since its inception.
• A substantial number of countries have adopted the principle of making essential medicines available.
• Key challenges include defining essentiality for rare disease treatments and ensuring availability of pediatric drug formulations.

Conclusions:

• The WHO's essential medicines concept remains critical for equitable healthcare access and cost management.
• Addressing current challenges is vital for optimizing the program's impact.
• The program's principles are increasingly relevant to all societies facing healthcare cost pressures.