The selection and use of essential medicines
Report of the WHO Expert Committee, 2011
Overview
The WHO Model List of Essential Medicines is a guide for the development of national and institutional essential medicine lists. Updated every two years, it is based on the latest scientific evidence on the efficacy, safety and cost effectiveness of medicines. Now the 17th WHO Model List of Essential Medicines and 3rd WHO Model List of Essential Medicines for Children are available in this technical report, together with a summary of justifications for the changes made from previous lists.
Over the past 30 years the WHO Model List has led to a global acceptance of the concept of essential medicines as a powerful means to promote health equity. Compilation of an essential medicines list enables health authorities to optimize pharmaceutical resources and forms the basis of national medicine policy in many countries.