Skip to main content
Knowledge4Policy
Knowledge for policy
Supporting policy with scientific evidence

We mobilise people and resources to create, curate, make sense of and use knowledge to inform policymaking across Europe.

  • News | 23 Oct 2025
WHO updated list of essential medicines includes key treatments for cancer

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has released the updated editions of its Model Lists of Essential Medicines (EML) and Essential Medicines for Children (EMLc), adding new treatments for various types of cancer, among others.

Cancer
WHO Logo

In the month of September, the World Health Organisation (WHO) released the updated editions of its Model Lists of Essential Medicines (EML) and Essential Medicines for Children (EMLc), adding new treatments for various types of cancer, as well as diabetes with associated comorbidities such as obesity. Other additions also include medicines for cystic fibrosis, psoriasis, haemophilia and blood-related disorders.

The WHO EML and EMLc include medicines that address the priority health needs of populations. They are updated and published every 2 years and are intended as a guide for countries or regional authorities to adopt or adapt in accordance with local priorities and treatment guidelines for the development and updating of national essential medicines lists. Thus, these lists serve as the basis for public-sector procurement and the supply of medicines, as well as health insurance and reimbursement schemes. These revisions mark the 24th edition of the WHO EML and 10th edition of the EMLc.