WHO Model Lists of Essential Medicines

The WHO Model Lists of Essential Medicines are updated every two years by the Expert Committee on Selection and Use of Essential Medicines.

The first Essential Medicines List was published in 1977, and the first Essential Medicines List for Children was published in 2007.

The current versions, updated in September 2025, are the 24th Essential Medicines List (EML) and the 10th Essential Medicines List for Children (EMLc).

Current lists

Previous lists

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WHO Model List of Essential Medicines - 22nd list, 2021

Essential medicines are those that satisfy the priority health care needs of a population. They are selected with due regard to disease prevalence and...

WHO Model List of Essential Medicines - 23rd list, 2023

Essential medicines are those that satisfy the priority health care needs of a population. They are selected with due regard to disease prevalence and...

WHO Model List of Essential Medicines for Children - 8th list, 2021

Essential medicines are those that satisfy the priority health care needs of a population. They are selected with due regard to disease prevalence and...

WHO Model List of Essential Medicines for Children - 9th list, 2023

 Essential medicines are those that satisfy the priority health care needs of a population. They are selected with due regard to disease prevalence...

Publications

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