The World Health Organisation (WHO) has added new treatments for cancer, diabetes linked with obesity, and several chronic conditions to its Model Lists of Essential Medicines (EML) and Essential Medicines for Children (EMLc). ALSO READ: Cancer: Increased awareness and diagnostics improve outcomes The revised lists, released on September 5, mark the 24th edition of the EML and the tenth edition of the EMLc. The WHO lists identify medicines considered most critical for public health. They are approved in more than 150 countries and guide decisions on procurement, health insurance coverage, and reimbursement. ALSO READ: Obesity on the rise among Rwandans – new study The latest update followed a meeting of the WHO Expert Committee on the Selection and Use of Essential Medicines, held in Geneva in May. Out of 59 applications reviewed, 20 medicines were added to the adult list and 15 to the children’s list. Seven existing medicines received new approved uses. The updated lists now include 523 medications for adults and 374 for children. According to WHO, cancer kills nearly 10 million people annually and is responsible for one in three premature deaths from non-communicable diseases. The committee considered 25 cancer medicines and recommended expanding access to immune checkpoint inhibitors (cancer immunotherapy), which help the immune system attack cancer cells. Pembrolizumab was added as a first-line treatment for metastatic cervical cancer, metastatic colorectal cancer, and metastatic non-small cell lung cancer. For lung cancer, atezolizumab and cemiplimab were included as alternatives. The committee also endorsed clinical strategies such as dose optimisation to improve access in countries where high costs limit availability. The update also targeted the rising global burden of type two diabetes and obesity. More than 800 million people were living with diabetes in 2022, half untreated, while over one billion people worldwide are obese. Four medicines were added: the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists semaglutide, dulaglutide, and liraglutide, as well as tirzepatide, a dual GLP-1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor agonist. These medicines are recommended for adults with type 2 diabetes who also have cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, or obesity defined as a body mass index of 30 kg/m² or higher. WHO said their high prices is a main barrier. It advised prioritising those most likely to benefit, promoting generic production, and integrating these drugs into primary care services. The updated lists also include medicines for cystic fibrosis, psoriasis, haemophilia, and blood-related disorders. The committee further updated the AWaRe (Access, Watch, Reserve) classification of antibiotics, which guides responsible use and helps address antimicrobial resistance. Launched in 1977, the WHO Model Lists are revised every two years by an independent committee of international experts.
