The next meeting of the WHO Expert Committee on the Selection and Use of Essential Medicines is scheduled to be held at WHO Headquarters, Geneva, from 24 to 28 April 2023 to revise and update the WHO Model Lists of Essential Medicines and Essential Medicines for Children.
The application period is now open and will close at 18h00 UTC on Friday 16 December 2022. During the application period, applicants are encouraged to engage with the EML Secretariat to ensure applications meet the requirements for content and quality and adequately address the criteria for essential medicines selection.
Applications should comply with the format and information requirements described in the updated “Information for Applicants” guide.
The WHO Model Lists of Essential Medicines (EML) and Essential Medicines for Children (EMLc) are reviewed and updated every two years by the WHO Expert Committee on Selection and Use of Essential Medicines. The process is transparent and relies on an evidence-based assessment of effectiveness and safety as well as additional factors such as the burden of disease, resource use, and feasibility.
The WHO Model Lists provide 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
All enquiries regarding the Expert Committee meeting or the application process should be directed to the EML Secretariat via email to [email protected].