WHO - World Health Organization

04/19/2021 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/20/2021 02:07

Applications for the 23rd WHO Expert Committee on Selection and Use of Essential Medicines available for public review and comment

Applications for inclusion in the 2021 revision of the WHO Model Lists of Essential Medicines have now been published here and are open for public review and comment.

The meeting of the 23rd WHO Expert Committee on the Selection and Use of Essential Medicines will be coordinated from WHO Headquarters, Geneva and held virtually on 21 June to 2 July 2021 to revise and update the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines (EML) and the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines for Children (EMLc). During the meeting the Expert Committee will consider the applications along with accompanying comments.

The WHO Model List provides an evidence-based model upon which countries can base their own national essential medicine lists - medicines that are considered necessary for all health systems, regardless of development level. It is a key tool for achieving universal health coverage because it provides guidance to governments, health facilities and procurers on which medicines are the best value in terms of benefits for individuals and communities. Over 130 countries use the WHO Model List to develop their national essential medicines lists and to guide their purchasing decisions

The WHO Model List is reviewed and updated every two years by the WHO Expert Committee on Selection and Use of Essential Medicines, following a transparent process and relying on evidence-based assessment of effectiveness and potential harms as well as additional factors such as burden of disease, resource use, and feasibility.

The Secretariat welcomes comments that offer their perspective on the applications that includes additional evidence of: clinical efficacy and safety, public health relevance, consideration of cost and cost effectiveness, feasibility of implementation, and relevant perspectives from a country experience. Where relevant, data sources should be appropriately referenced.

Interested stakeholders are invited to submit comments on the applications to the Secretary of the Expert Committee, Dr Benedikt Huttner, via email to [email protected]. Comments must be provided in PDF format, and in the file name should clearly reference the application to which they apply. All comments received will be published on this webpage and will be provided to the Expert Committee for their consideration. The deadline for submission of comments is 21 May 2021.