76-545: Essential medicines , as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO), are medicines that " satisfy the priority health care needs of the population ". Essential medicines should be accessible to people at all times, in sufficient amounts, and be generally affordable. Since 1977, the WHO has published a model list of essential medicines, with the 2019 list for adult patients containing over 400 medicines. Since 2007,
152-445: A public health emergency of international concern, marking the second such declaration in the last two years due to the virus's transmission. The WHO's Constitution states that its objective "is the attainment by all people of the highest possible level of health". The WHO fulfils this objective through its functions as defined in its Constitution: As of 2012 , the WHO has defined its role in public health as follows: Since
228-465: A separate list of medicines intended for child patients has been published. A new list was published in 2021, for both adults and children. Several changes have been implemented since the 2021 edition, including that medication cost should not be grounds for exclusion criteria if it meets other selection criteria, and cost-effectiveness differences should be evaluated within therapeutic areas. The following year, antiretroviral agents, usually used in
304-495: A constitutional right in the country. China first published their own EML in 1982, with the current EML containing over 2,000 herbal, chemical, and biological medicines. The Ministry of Health (MOH) consists of medical and economic experts that are divided into a consult and review group to develop their national medicines list. Provinces in China are able to form their own EML, but are not allowed to remove medicines already listed in
380-495: A convention concerning the bubonic plague was signed by sixteen of the nineteen states attending the Venice conference. While Denmark , Sweden-Norway , and the US did not sign this convention, it was unanimously agreed that the work of the prior conferences should be codified for implementation. Subsequent conferences, from 1902 until the final one in 1938, widened the diseases of concern for
456-774: A forum for scientific or policy discussions related to health. Its official publication, the World Health Report , provides assessments of worldwide health topics. The WHO has played a leading role in several public health achievements, most notably the eradication of smallpox , the near- eradication of polio , and the development of an Ebola vaccine . Its current priorities include communicable diseases , such as HIV/AIDS , Ebola , malaria and tuberculosis ; non-communicable diseases such as heart disease and cancer ; healthy diet , nutrition, and food security ; occupational health ; and substance abuse . The agency advocates for universal health care coverage, engagement with
532-587: A large variety on rural and urban populations throughout the country, healthcare services and general access are favored more towards the urban population. World Health Organization The World Health Organization ( WHO ) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for global public health . It is headquartered in Geneva , Switzerland, and has six regional offices and 150 field offices worldwide. Only sovereign States can participate, and it
608-430: A potential of drug abuse and was established as an essential medication, yet raised some ethical questions. With the lack of literature highlighting its safety, it was highly discouraged to place Codeine as an essential medication. Not to mention, it was further discouraged in 2011 when Codeine was removed from WHO essential medicine list for children, causing greater discussion of its use in adults. Another article discusses
684-528: A resolution on disability prevention and rehabilitation , with a focus on community-driven care. 1977 and 1978: The first list of essential medicines was drawn up, and a year later the ambitious goal of " Health For All " was declared. 1986: The WHO began its global programme on HIV/AIDS . Two years later preventing discrimination against patients was attended to and in 1996 the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS)
760-429: A resolution passed on the subject, Alger Hiss , the secretary general of the conference, recommended using a declaration to establish such an organization. Sze and other delegates lobbied and a declaration passed calling for an international conference on health. The use of the word "world", rather than "international", emphasized the truly global nature of what the organization was seeking to achieve. The constitution of
836-501: A series of conferences that took place until 1938, about 87 years. The first conference, in Paris, was almost solely concerned with cholera , which would remain the disease of major concern for the ISC for most of the 19th century. With the cause , origin, and communicability of many epidemic diseases still uncertain and a matter of scientific argument, international agreement on appropriate measures
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#1732869840411912-407: A specific effect may be used specifically because of a beneficial side-effect; this is termed " off-label use " until such use is approved. For instance, X-rays have long been used as an imaging technique ; the discovery of their oncolytic capability led to their use in radiotherapy for ablation of malignant tumours . The World Health Organization and other health organisations characterise
988-533: Is common, health equity measures and economic policy helps evaluate the affordability of medications as well as the effects of public health legislation. Brazil had published their first EML called RENAME 13 years prior to the WHO's first essential medicines list. RENAME included medicines that focused on safety, efficacy, and availability of medications, as well as Brazil's health priority of their population. The WHO EML encouraged Brazil to separate medications based on therapeutic classes, leading to both lists having
1064-404: Is lower in comparison to the WHO's goal, with little progress in expansion over the years. This systematic review and meta-analysis study pooled studies that reported the availability of essential medicines in various regions of China from 2009 to 2019. The data supports the need to improve the access and distribution of medication across regions to ensure that the goal of universal health coverage
1140-557: Is now on the verge of extinction, thanks to a Global Vaccination Drive. The World Health Organization (WHO) stated the eradication programme has saved millions from deadly disease. Between 1990 and 2010, WHO's help has contributed to a 40% decline in the number of deaths from tuberculosis, and since 2005, over 46 million people have been treated and an estimated 7 million lives saved through practices advocated by WHO. These include engaging national governments and their financing, early diagnosis, standardising treatment, monitoring of
1216-467: Is reached. Having essential medications be accessible to everyone is the foundation to a better health without financial hardships for the general public. The goal of universal health coverage was set in place in 2015, where multiple countries have taken steps towards ensuring treatment, palliation , rehabilitation , and preventative health measures for everyone. Understanding that accessibility to appropriate and applicable essential medications within
1292-523: Is the largest intergovernmental health organization at the international level. The WHO's purpose is to achieve the highest possible level of health for all the world's people, defining health as "a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity." The main functions of the World Health Organization include: to promote the control of epidemic and endemic diseases; to provide and improve
1368-504: Is the subject of debate between producers ( pharmaceutical companies ) and purchasers of drugs (national health services). It is estimated that access to essential medicines could save 10 million people a year. Access to essential medicine is a cornerstone of effective healthcare systems and a fundamental component of global health initiatives aimed at improving quality of life , reducing health disparities , and fostering sustainable development . Proper access to essential medicine can lower
1444-401: Is to provide appropriate use of treatment and not include medications that have been withdrawn from the market in other countries due to unfavorable benefit-to-harm balance. Despite many efforts from different countries, some individuals do not have their needs met and have to turn to an alternative plan called the judiciary in order to receive the medications required. The Judiciary also known as
1520-473: The International Classification of Diseases (ICD). The agency's work began in earnest in 1951 after a significant infusion of financial and technical resources. The WHO's official mandate is to promote health and safety while helping the vulnerable worldwide. It provides technical assistance to countries, sets international health standards, collects data on global health issues, and serves as
1596-565: The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), and smaller organizations. As of 2011 , it has been working to immunize young children and prevent the re-emergence of cases in countries declared "polio-free". In 2017, a study was conducted as to why Polio Vaccines may not be enough to eradicate the Virus & conduct new technology. Polio
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#17328698404111672-815: The USSR , called on the World Health Assembly to undertake a global initiative to eradicate smallpox, resulting in Resolution WHA11.54. 1965: The first report on diabetes mellitus and the creation of the International Agency for Research on Cancer . 1966: The WHO moved its headquarters from the Ariana wing at the Palace of Nations to a newly constructed headquarters elsewhere in Geneva. 1967: The WHO intensified
1748-998: The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the World Bank . 1975: The WHO launched the Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical diseases (the TDR). Co-sponsored by UNICEF , UNDP, and the World Bank, it was established in response to a 1974 request from the WHA for an intensive effort to develop improved control of tropical diseases. The TDR's goals are, firstly, to support and coordinate international research into diagnosis, treatment and control of tropical diseases; and, secondly, to strengthen research capabilities within endemic countries. 1976: The WHA enacted
1824-572: The World Health Assembly finished on 24 July 1948, having secured a budget of US$ 5 million (then £1,250,000 ) for the 1949 year. G. Brock Chisholm was appointed director-general of the WHO, having served as executive secretary and a founding member during the planning stages, while Andrija Štampar was the assembly's first president. Its first priorities were to control the spread of malaria , tuberculosis and sexually transmitted infections , and to improve maternal and child health , nutrition and environmental hygiene. Its first legislative act
1900-450: The " Judicialization of access to medicines, " this involves technical, scientific, legal, and social aspects. Further research is needed to explore these aspects comprehensively. Medications can be priced differently, due to the fact that each medication can have many qualities and uses. Because various medicines have different costs, individual uses, and distinct advantages, it prompts the theory of cost effectiveness . Cost effectiveness
1976-448: The 2023 list contains 361 medications. The intention of creating an EML for children is to improve child survival and provide treatment options for mortality and morbidity causes. WHO launched a "Make Medicines Child Size" (MMCS) campaign in 2007 with the purpose of creating appropriate regimens and formulations for children based on their weight and age. A 2021 study assessing the age-appropriateness of enteral formulations listed on
2052-544: The Health Organization of the League of Nations. After World War II , the United Nations absorbed all the other health organizations, to form the WHO. During the 1945 United Nations Conference on International Organization, Szeming Sze , a delegate from China, conferred with Norwegian and Brazilian delegates on creating an international health organization under the auspices of the new United Nations. After failing to get
2128-655: The ISC, and included discussions of responses to yellow fever , brucellosis , leprosy , tuberculosis , and typhoid . In part as a result of the successes of the Conferences, the Pan-American Sanitary Bureau (1902), and the Office International d'Hygiène Publique or " International office of Public Hygiene " in english(1907) were soon founded. When the League of Nations was formed in 1920, it established
2204-567: The United Nations together with the exchange of letters related thereto, and taking into account the respective co-ordinating responsibilities of both organizations, it is recognized by the World Health Organization that the International Atomic Energy Agency has the primary responsibility for encouraging, assisting and co-ordinating research and development and practical application of atomic energy for peaceful uses throughout
2280-506: The WHO EML can be done with national medication selection committees that are able to operate with consultive mandates. These committees also need very clear leadership, monitoring, and evaluations. Implementation of EMLs can be done efficiently if there is a form of a reimbursement process in order to help keep costs low. Additionally, EMLs should have recommended clinical practices, such as listing necessary items, in order to make implementation of
2356-578: The WHO Essential Medicine List for Children (EMLc) highlighted the dependence on factors such as dose adaptability, formulation flexibility, and the child's swallowing ability. Analysis of the EMLc between 2011 and 2019 revealed that most enteral medications were not age-appropriate for children under six years old, necessitating manipulation of the medicine prior to administration. This practice raises concerns regarding safety and efficacy. Consequently,
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2432-576: The WHO Essential Medicine List has been used to provide consistency and alignment of treatment across the nation. In the 2022 quantitative analysis study of cardiovascular medications, the data suggests how adopting a common formulary of combination therapy and specific types of drug classes improved patient adherence and cardiovascular outcomes within the region. The study compared South Africa and 15 different South African Development Communities (SADC) essential medication lists of 2021 for cardiovascular medications. Having majority of SADC lists aligned with
2508-489: The WHO essential medicine lists of South Africa, supports how implementing this into the national EML would provide greater accessibility and availability of CVD medications consistently throughout the nation. While the WHO Essential Medicine Lists are a very valuable tool and integral to the country's medicine policy, there has not yet been enough effort to implement them. There are several factors that affect
2584-480: The WHO over the organization's unwillingness to share the penicillin recipe. They would not return until 1956. 1950: A mass tuberculosis inoculation drive using the BCG vaccine gets under way. 1955: The malaria eradication programme was launched, although objectives were later modified. (In most areas, the programme goals became control instead of eradication.) 1958: Viktor Zhdanov , Deputy Minister of Health for
2660-590: The WHO was to report as to whether RTS,S /AS01, were a viable malaria vaccine . For the time being, insecticide -treated mosquito nets and insecticide sprays are used to prevent the spread of malaria, as are antimalarial drugs – particularly to vulnerable people such as pregnant women and young children. In 1988, WHO launched the Global Polio Eradication Initiative to eradicate polio . It has also been successful in helping to reduce cases by 99% since WHO partnered with Rotary International ,
2736-425: The WHO's role and priorities in public health, ranging from narrowing its mandate to strengthening its independence and authority. During the 1970s, WHO had dropped its commitment to a global malaria eradication campaign as too ambitious, it retained a strong commitment to malaria control. WHO's Global Malaria Programme works to keep track of malaria cases, and future problems in malaria control schemes. As of 2012,
2812-498: The World Health Organization was signed by all 51 countries of the United Nations, and by 10 other countries, on 22 July 1946. It thus became the first specialized agency of the United Nations to which every member subscribed. Its constitution formally came into force on the first World Health Day on 7 April 1948, when it was ratified by the 26th member state. The WHO formally began its work in September 1, 1948. The first meeting of
2888-414: The adaptation and implementation of the WHO Essential Medicine Lists, as found by a 2022 qualitative evidence synthesis. This study identified areas that need support in order to implement EML at a country level. The lack of effort to implement WHO Essential medicines lists undermines the potential health benefits, exacerbates inequities in access, increase health costs and infrastructure. Implementation of
2964-553: The amount for really expensive treatments and hospitalizations by managing early and effectively. The WHO made the Model List of Essential Medicines in 1977 based on the idea that certain medicines are required more often than others and are often inaccessible to many different populations. As of 2018, 146 countries are using the Essential Medicines concept, which is also used to guide the reimbursement of medicines depending on
3040-457: The antibiotics on the essential medicines list from 138 countries and assessed each countries national listing. The data showed that on average of the 44 essential antibiotic medications, 24 of them were accessible to the population, 5 of them considered on reserve, and 15 of them on WATCH using the AWaRe classification. Additionally, the use of therapeutic guidelines as a reference for the creation of
3116-422: The appropriateness of empirical dosing of different antibiotics on EMLs from multiple countries. Using the top 31 priority bacterial infections as a comparator, results showed how broadening the antibiotic list and dose, would not only increase adherence to treating the infections. It would also address the antibiotic resistance complication in most bacterial infections. This 2021 Cross-Sectional study , reviewed
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3192-565: The basis for global prevention, treatment, and support the plan to fight the AIDS pandemic . 2006: The WHO launches the Global action plan for influenza vaccines 2016: The Global action plan for influenza vaccines ends with a report which concludes that while substantial progress has been made over the 10 years of the Plan, the world is still not ready to respond to an influenza pandemic. 2016: Following
3268-424: The budget and activities. The WHO is funded primarily by contributions from member states (both assessed and voluntary), followed by private donors. Its total approved budget for 2020–2021 is over $ 7.2 billion, while the approved budget for 2022–2023 is over $ 6.2 billion. The budget is $ 6.83 billion for 2024–2025. The International Sanitary Conferences (ISC), the first of which was held on 23 June 1851, were
3344-611: The continuing effects of nuclear disasters in Chernobyl and Fukushima . They believe WHO must regain what they see as independence. Independent WHO held a weekly vigil from 2007 to 2017 in front of WHO headquarters. However, as pointed out by Foreman in clause 2 it states: In particular, and in accordance with the Constitution of the World Health Organization and the Statute of the International Atomic Energy Agency and its agreement with
3420-586: The fiftieth anniversary of WHO's founding. He, did, however, accept that more had to be done to assist maternal health and that progress in this area had been slow. 2000: The Stop TB Partnership was created along with the UN's formulation of the Millennium Development Goals . 2001: The measles initiative was formed, and credited with reducing global deaths from the disease by 68% by 2007. 2002: The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria
3496-449: The global smallpox eradication campaign by contributing $ 2.4 million annually to the effort and adopted a new disease surveillance method, at a time when 2 million people were dying from smallpox per year. The initial problem the WHO team faced was inadequate reporting of smallpox cases. WHO established a network of consultants who assisted countries in setting up surveillance and containment activities. The WHO also helped contain
3572-521: The importance to public health, the efficacy, the safety, and the cost of the medicines. The goal of the Essential Medicine concept is that medicines that have the highest relevance in public health, meaning medicines that are used the most often, should be available equally to everyone in a population either for free or at a very affordable cost. The WHO Model List of Essential Medicines has been updated every two years since 1977. The 23rd version
3648-526: The last European outbreak in Yugoslavia in 1972 . After over two decades of fighting smallpox, a Global Commission declared in 1979 that the disease had been eradicated – the first disease in history to be eliminated by human effort. 1974: The Expanded Programme on Immunization and the control programme of onchocerciasis was started, an important partnership between the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO),
3724-449: The late 20th century, the rise of new actors engaged in global health—such as the World Bank , the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief ( PEPFAR ) and dozens of public-private partnerships for global health—have weakened the WHO's role as a coordinator and policy leader in the field; subsequently, there are various proposals to reform or reorient
3800-399: The latter category. This age-based cutoff may lead to an oversight of the unique healthcare needs of this demographic. It would be a good idea to create a list for adolescents as well. This is important as it allows healthcare providers to offer tailored care for each group. This differentiation ensures that treatments are appropriate for children's unique physiological needs. The first EML
3876-568: The list easy to do. For example, in the case of injectable medications, the EML should indicate that in addition to the medication a patient would also need an injection device and safety box. Finally, there needs to be clear legislation and monitoring to make sure there is compliance. Access to essential medicines are part of the Sustainable Development Goals , specifically goal 3.8. A number of organizations, which are global in scope, use
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#17328698404113952-557: The list to determine which medications they will supply. Rather than strictly following the list, many nations refer to the essential medicines list as a guide for developing their own laws and regulations based on their own requirements. Ecuador , Ghana , The Philippines , South Africa , and Ukraine all include some mention of essential medicines or other health infrastructure that helps guide their economic policies on medicine pricing and benefit selection. Especially in middle income countries where out-of-pocket spending on medications
4028-476: The major obstacles being low supply, including shortages of inexpensive drugs. Following these shortages, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a report in fall of 2019 with strategies to overcome and mitigate supply issues. The original WHO definition in 1977 was that they were medicines " of utmost importance, basic, indispensable, and necessary for the healthcare needs of the population ". The concept
4104-477: The monitoring of public health risks, coordinating responses to health emergencies, and promoting health and well-being generally. The WHO is governed by the World Health Assembly (WHA), which is composed of its 194 member states. The WHA elects and advises an executive board made up of 34 health specialists; selects the WHO's chief administrator, the director-general (currently Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus of Ethiopia ); sets goals and priorities; and approves
4180-563: The most cost-effective manner. The lists serve as a baseline for health insurance entities to include or exclude the medication, and modify the dose based on clinical study evidence. To improve the accessibility of essential medicines for both children and adults, it is necessary to ensure the rational use of medicine while also being cost-effective. In a 2023 study evaluating the availability, distribution, and progress of essential medicines in China , results showed that access to essential medicines
4256-614: The national EML. India first developed their National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM) back in 1996 with only a minimal amount of revisions. Evidence-based criteria is used to determine which medications to add or remove to the list. Clinicians, pharmacologists , pharmacists , etc. discuss and review the list where an open-house discussion is used to modify and finalize the NLEM. However, poor medical supplies and staff with low health investments in implementations have caused people to go to private hospitals and clinics for treatment . And with
4332-470: The other organization has or may have a substantial interest, the first party shall consult the other with a view to adjusting the matter by mutual agreement. The nature of this statement has led some groups and activists including Women in Europe for a Common Future to claim that the WHO is restricted in its ability to investigate the effects on human health of radiation caused by the use of nuclear power and
4408-546: The perceived failure of the response to the West Africa Ebola outbreak , the World Health Emergencies programme was formed, changing the WHO from just being a "normative" agency to one that responds operationally to health emergencies. 2020: the World Health Organization announced that it had classified the novel coronavirus outbreak as a public health emergency of international concern. The novel coronavirus
4484-428: The probability of experiencing side effects as: The European Commission recommends that the list should contain only effects where there is "at least a reasonable possibility" that they are caused by the drug and the frequency "should represent crude incidence rates (and not differences or relative risks calculated against placebo or other comparator)". The frequency describes how often symptoms appear after taking
4560-546: The region, is the first step towards reaching equitable and universal healthcare . Items are chosen as essential medicines based on how common the disease that is being treated, evidence of benefit, the degree of side effects and the cost compared to other options. In order to explore the human rights law and WHO's essential medicines policies into national legislation regarding medicines, affordability and financing needs to be understood to enhance universal access to essential medicines. The intention of essential medicine lists
4636-462: The same format, despite different medications listed. The addition of the WHO's 2009 children's EML inspired Brazil to consider their own RENAME pediatric list. But limitations have caused Brazil to wait for further pediatric drug evidence within the country before finalizing their own children-specific EML. Challenges such as high prices and poor availability have impacted how citizens are actually able to obtain their medications, despite healthcare being
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#17328698404114712-436: The spread and effect of tuberculosis, and stabilising the drug supply. It has also recognized the vulnerability of victims of HIV/AIDS to tuberculosis. Side effect In medicine , a side effect is an effect of the use of a medicinal drug or other treatment, usually adverse but sometimes beneficial, that is unintended. Herbal and traditional medicines also have side effects. A drug or procedure usually used for
4788-399: The study emphasizes the urgent need for more comprehensive information and guidelines for selecting and developing age-appropriate essential enteral medicines for pediatric populations. While the practice of maintaining separate lists for the general population and children under 12 years of age is beneficial in tailoring healthcare interventions, it inadvertently excludes adolescents from
4864-528: The teaching and training in public health, the medical treatment of disease and related matters; and to promote the establishment of international standards for biological products. The WHO was established on April 7, 1948, and formally began its work on September 1, 1948. It incorporated the assets, personnel, and duties of the League of Nations ' Health Organization and the Paris-based Office International d'Hygiène Publique , including
4940-649: The treatment of HIV/AIDS , were included on the list of essential medicines. The WHO distinguishes between "core list" and "complementary list" medications. This list forms the basis of the national drugs policy in more than 155 countries, both in the developed and developing world . Many governments refer to WHO recommendations when making decisions on health spending. Countries are encouraged to prepare their own lists considering local priorities. Over 150 countries have published an official essential medicines list. Despite these efforts, an estimated 2 billion people still lack access to essential medicines, with some of
5016-488: The world without prejudice to the right of the World Health Organization to concern itself with promoting, developing, assisting and co-ordinating international health work, including research, in all its aspects. The key text is highlighted in bold, the agreement in clause 2 states that the WHO is free to perform any health-related work. 1947: The WHO established an epidemiological information service via telex . 1949: The Soviet Union and its constituent republics quit
5092-500: Was a new strain of coronavirus that had never been detected in humans before. The WHO named this new coronavirus " COVID-19 " or "2019-nCov". 2022: The WHO suggests formation of a Global Health Emergency Council, with a new global health emergency workforce, and recommends revision of the International Health Regulations. 2024: WHO has declared the spread of mpox (formerly monkeypox) in several African countries
5168-526: Was concerning the compilation of accurate statistics on the spread and morbidity of disease. The logo of the World Health Organization features the Rod of Asclepius as a symbol for healing. In 1959, the WHO signed Agreement WHA 12–40 with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which says: whenever either organization proposes to initiate a programme or activity on a subject in which
5244-469: Was difficult to reach. Seven of these international conferences, spanning 41 years, were convened before any resulted in a multi-state international agreement. The seventh conference, in Venice in 1892, finally resulted in a convention. It was concerned only with the sanitary control of shipping traversing the Suez Canal , and was an effort to guard against importation of cholera. Five years later, in 1897,
5320-416: Was drawn up to improve the resources available. 2005: The WHO revises International Health Regulations (IHR) in light of emerging health threats and the experience of the 2002/3 SARS epidemic , authorizing WHO, among other things, to declare a health threat a Public Health Emergency of International Concern . 2006: The WHO endorsed the world's first official HIV/AIDS Toolkit for Zimbabwe, which formed
5396-698: Was formed. 1988: The Global Polio Eradication Initiative was established. 1995: The WHO established an independent International Commission for the Certification of Dracunculiasis Eradication (Guinea worm disease eradication; ICCDE). The ICCDE recommends to the WHO which countries fulfil requirements for certification. It also has role in advising on progress made towards elimination of transmission and processes for verification. 1998: The WHO's director-general highlighted gains in child survival, reduced infant mortality , increased life expectancy and reduced rates of "scourges" such as smallpox and polio on
5472-419: Was higher (61.5%) than non-essential medicines (27.3%). But in the public sector, the median availability was 40% for essential medicines, compared to 6.6% for non-essential medicines. Thus, overall, the availability of essential medicines in the public sector is still suboptimal, indicating challenges in achieving equitable access. The first edition of the " WHO Model List of Essential Medicines for Children ",
5548-403: Was mentioned in one of the ten points of the 1978 Alma Ata Declaration on primary health care . In 2002 the definition was changed to: Essential medicines are those that satisfy the priority health care needs of the population. This remains the definition as of 2019. The use of essential medicines lists has resulted in better quality of care and improved management of health resources in
5624-447: Was published in 1977 and was created as a tool to improve the accessibility and availability of medications for everyone. Multiple editions of EMLs and studies since then have been released, comparing the necessity, efficacy, safety, and of certain medications on the list. In addition, studies have been done comparing EMLs from multiple regions to ensure the appropriateness of dosing and safety of drug classes. Medication like Codeine has
5700-454: Was published in 2007, while the 9th edition was published in 2023. It was created to make sure that the needs of children were systematically considered such as availability of proper formulations . While the EML (Essential Medicine List) is intended for the population as a whole, the EMLc (Essential Medicine List for Children) is intended for children up to 12 years old. The first edition contained 450 formulations of 200 different medications and
5776-465: Was published in July 2023. Over that period, the number of medications has more than doubled, from the original 208 in 1977, to more than 500 in 2023. Medicines are then categorized as essential or non-essential based on their inclusion in each country's EML. results are then analyzed by WHO regions, World Bank income groups, wealth inequality, and therapeutic groups. The group for essential medicines availability
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