Title: WHO Updates Essential Medicines Guidelines, Expanding Treatment Options for Global Health
In a significant move, the World Health Organization (WHO) has recently revised its guidelines for essential medicines, making essential treatments for multiple sclerosis, heart conditions, cancer, and other diseases more accessible. This update is expected to have a positive impact on the global healthcare system.
The WHO’s review committee carefully assessed over 100 therapeutics before recommending 24 new medicines for adults and 12 for children to be added to the Model Lists of Essential Medicines (EML) and Essential Medicines for Children (EMLc). This brings the total number of medications on the EML and EMLc to 502 and 361, respectively.
With these revisions implemented every two years, the WHO aims to provide internationally recognized guidance for countries’ health systems in prioritizing effective and affordable medications. The inclusion of these newly recommended medications is expected to significantly improve healthcare outcomes worldwide.
Among the notable additions to the WHO’s essential medicines lists are treatments for multiple sclerosis. Rituximab, typically used for cancer and autoimmune diseases, was recommended for off-label use due to its proven efficacy and safety. This development offers hope for individuals struggling with multiple sclerosis and opens up new possibilities for effective treatment.
One groundbreaking inclusion in the guidelines is the suggestion of “polypills” for the first time. These polypills are combinations of medicines specifically designed to treat heart disease and cardiovascular issues. Health officials believe that the WHO’s recommendation of polypills could encourage governments and insurance companies, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, to prioritize and adopt these combination therapies.
However, the WHO has also faced challenges in its mission to ensure affordable access to essential medicines. The organization rejected including several patented cancer medications due to their high prices, highlighting the ongoing issue of pricing in the pharmaceutical industry.
Notably absent from the updated lists are certain compounds known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, which are commonly used in diabetes and obesity medications. Researchers had requested their inclusion, but the WHO committee cited concerns regarding the compounds’ uncertain long-term clinical benefit and safety.
The lack of consistent access to essential medicines has been a growing concern, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Shortages of medications, including GLP-1 receptor agonist-containing drugs, insulin, and the antibiotic bicillin, have posed significant challenges for healthcare systems worldwide. Rising prices and disruptions in the supply chain have exacerbated this problem, hindering countries’ efforts to ensure equitable access to essential medicines.
Overall, the WHO’s updated essential medicines guidelines mark a significant step towards improving global healthcare. By including treatments for multiple sclerosis, introducing polypills, and prioritizing affordability, the organization aims to enhance treatment options and create more equitable access to essential medicines for people around the world.
