WHO Updates Essential Medicines List to Improve Cancer Treatment Access & Tackle Diabetes/Obesity Epidemics
Geneva, Switzerland – May 16, 2025 – The World Health Association (WHO) today announced significant updates to its Model List of Essential Medicines, reflecting a commitment to improving global access to vital treatments for cancer, diabetes, and obesity. these updates, stemming from the rigorous review of the 25th WHO Expert Committee on the Selection and Use of Essential Medicines (held May 5-9, 2025, at WHO Headquarters), prioritize evidence-based strategies and aim to address critical healthcare challenges worldwide.
Expanding Access to Cancer Care: A Focus on practical Strategies
Recognizing the growing global burden of cancer, the Committee focused on strategies to enhance both access and affordability of cancer treatments. Their recommendations, detailed in the semaglutide, dulaglutide, liraglutide, and tirzepatide have been added for use in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus who also have established cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, or obesity (defined as a Body Mass Index (BMI) ≥ 30kg/m2). This targeted approach provides clear guidance to countries on prioritizing patients who will benefit most from these therapies,offering improvements in blood sugar control,reduced risk of cardiovascular and kidney complications,weight loss support,and potentially even reduced mortality.The Challenge of Affordability and Equitable Access
Despite the proven benefits of these newer medications,the WHO acknowledges the significant barrier of high prices. To overcome this, the organization is advocating for a multi-faceted strategy:
Prioritization: Focusing treatment on patients who will derive the greatest benefit. Generic Competition: Encouraging the development and availability of generic versions to drive down costs.
Primary Care Integration: Making these treatments accessible within primary care settings, particularly in underserved communities.
“A large share of out-of-pocket spending on noncommunicable diseases goes toward medicines, including those classified as essential and that, in principle, should be financially accessible to everyone,” stated deusdedit Mubangizi, WHO Director of Policy and standards for Medicines and Health Products. “Achieving equitable access to essential medicines requires a coherent health system response backed by strong political will, multisectoral cooperation, and people-centred programmes that leave no one behind.”
ongoing Monitoring and Support
The WHO is committed to continuous monitoring of the pharmaceutical landscape, supporting fair pricing strategies, and assisting countries in improving access to these life-changing treatments.
Further Information:
Executive Summary of Expert Committee Recommendations
WHO Essential Medicines List:
The Model Lists of Essential Medicines are updated biennially by a panel of internationally recognized experts in academia, research, and the medical and pharmaceutical fields. This rigorous process ensures the list reflects the latest scientific evidence,addresses emerging health challenges,prioritizes effective therapeutics,and strives to improve affordable access to essential medicines globally. The Committee also reviewed and updated the aware (access, Watch, Reserve) classification of antibiotics, a critical tool in combating antimicrobial resistance.
Key improvements & why this will perform well:
Authoritative Tone: The language is professional, precise, and reflects the seriousness of the topic. It
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