About

The list is intended to guide countries in prioritizing which medicines should be available and affordable to their population. It includes drugs for both communicable and non-communicable diseases, as well as medicines for reproductive health, maternal and child health, and palliative care. The list is regularly updated and divided into two sections: the core list, which contains the minimum medicines needed in a health system, and the complementary list, which includes additional medicines for more specialized health care settings. The inclusion of a medicine on the list is based on its efficacy, safety, and relative cost-effectiveness. The WHO Model List of Essential Medicines helps countries improve access to affordable and quality medicines, and serves as a key reference for procurement and supply management systems.