Refocusing the World Health Organization’s Model List of Essential Medicines on the needs of low and middle income countries
In the wake of escalating medicine prices worldwide, Veronika Wirtz and colleagues argue for refocusing the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines on the needs of low and middle income countries, while retaining its global relevance as a model process ### Key messages First published in 1977, the World Health Organization (WHO) Model List of Essential Medicines has been one of the most effective and recognised tools to promote equitable access to medicines, prioritising those that satisfy the health priorities of the population.12 Essential medicines are “selected with due regard of public health relevance, evidence on efficacy and safety, and comparative cost-effectiveness.”3 The list is updated every two years; Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director general of WHO, announced publication of the 23rd Model List of Essential Medicines in July 2023. This version sets a new record for the number of medicines included (502).4 The children’s list, which now includes 361 medicines, was first pu