Upcoming 25th WHO Expert Committee Meeting on the Selection and Use of Essential Medicines

The World Health Organization (WHO) Essential Medicines List (EML) contains medications considered the most safe and effective to meet health system and patient needs. The WHO EML is updated every two years, and guides countries for the updating and adopting of national essential medicines lists.

This year from May 5 to 9, the upcoming 25th WHO Expert Committee meeting on the Selection and Use of Essential Medicines will be held in Geneva, Switzerland at WHO Headquarters. Dr. Bishal Gyawali will be the only member representing Canada and Nepal at this meeting, where the Expert Committee will discuss whether applications should be accepted for inclusion in the EML or not. This process includes evidence-based assessment of each application, including safety, effectiveness, burden of disease, resources, and feasibility to create a comprehensive list of medicines that offer the best value for the health system and patients.