WHO Model List of Essential Medicines - updated

Last week, the World Health Organization (WHO) published the 24th Model List of Essential Medicines (EML) and the 10th Model List of Essential Medicines for Children (EMLc). After its review, the WHO Expert Committee on the Selection and Use of Essential Medicines recommended the addition of 20 new medicines, with a strong focus on addressing unmet public health needs and improving access to life-saving treatments worldwide. Essential medicines are defined as those that “meet the priority health care needs of the population”. They are selected on the basis of their relevance to public health, evidence of efficacy and safety, and comparative cost-effectiveness.

For the 2025 update, seven applications for cancer medicines were submitted, including several immune checkpoint inhibitors. The new treatments include medicines for leukaemia, lung, cervical, and colorectal cancers.