WHO Essential Medicines list
Why it Matters?
World Health Organization (WHO) updated its Model Lists of Essential Medicines (EML) to add the GLP-1 class of drugs for diabetes with associated comorbidities such as obesity, and access to these drugs becomes easier and cheaper.
What you should know?
Group of medicines called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists can help people with type 2 diabetes.
Apart from the glucose lowering effect, they have tremendous effect on weight reduction and obesity management.
WHO Essential Medicines List (EML):
First published in 1977, updated every 2 years by the WHO Expert Committee.
It is not legally binding on countries to reduce the price or include these in their essential medicines list.
Most countries use the WHO list as the template for their National Essential Medicines List (NLEM).
WHO: Founded in 1948, a specialized agency of the United Nations dedicated to international public health
HQ: Geneva, Switzerland
It is governed by 194 Member States grouped into 6 regions.