By Idowu Abdullahi
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has announced a sweeping expansion of its Model Lists of Essential Medicines (EML), adding groundbreaking treatments for cancer, diabetes, obesity, and other serious conditions in what experts are hailing as a milestone for global health.
Unveiling the updated 24th EML and 10th Essential Medicines for Children (EMLc) on Friday, WHO said the new inclusions will accelerate access to life-saving therapies for millions of patients across the globe, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
The revised lists now cover medicines for obesity, cystic fibrosis, psoriasis, haemophilia, and several blood-related disorders—underscoring WHO’s determination to confront the rising burden of noncommunicable diseases.
> “The new editions mark a significant step toward expanding access to medicines with proven clinical benefits and high potential for global health impact,” said Dr. Yukiko Nakatani, WHO’s Assistant Director-General for Health Systems, Access, and Data.
Cancer Treatments Take Centre Stage
With cancer claiming nearly 10 million lives every year and ranking among the leading killers worldwide, WHO placed special emphasis on oncology.
The Expert Committee considered seven applications covering 25 cancer drugs, ultimately approving the inclusion of pembrolizumab as a first-line treatment for metastatic cervical cancer, colorectal cancer, and non-small cell lung cancer.
Two other immunotherapy drugs—atezolizumab and cemiplimab—were also endorsed as alternatives, offering new hope for patients in resource-limited settings.
“These therapies strengthen the body’s immune system to attack cancer cells more effectively,” the Committee explained, stressing the urgent need for dose optimisation strategies to ensure affordability and access.
Breakthrough in Diabetes and Obesity Care
WHO also spotlighted diabetes and obesity, which together affect more than 1.8 billion people worldwide.
The updated lists now include GLP-1 receptor agonists such as semaglutide, dulaglutide, liraglutide, and tirzepatide—a dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist—hailed for their transformative impact on type 2 diabetes and obesity management.
“These medicines not only improve blood sugar control but also reduce the risk of heart and kidney complications, support weight loss, and lower the risk of premature death,” WHO noted.
But the agency cautioned that sky-high prices remain a major barrier. Drugs like semaglutide and tirzepatide are out of reach for most patients in low- and middle-income nations, prompting WHO to call for generic competition, fair pricing strategies, and stronger integration into primary healthcare.
WHO Director of Policy and Standards for Medicines and Health Products, Deusdedit Mubangizi, stressed that political will and systemic reforms are critical to ensure equity.
> “A large share of out-of-pocket spending on noncommunicable diseases goes toward medicines, including those classified as essential. Achieving equitable access requires a coherent health system response backed by strong political will, multisectoral cooperation, and people-centred programmes that leave no one behind,” he said.
First launched in 1977, WHO’s Essential Medicines Lists have grown into a trusted global benchmark, guiding procurement, supply, and health insurance decisions in over 150 countries.
This year alone, the Expert Committee reviewed 59 applications and approved 20 new medicines for adults and 15 for children, raising the total to 523 and 374 medicines respectively.
By reflecting cutting-edge medical evidence while prioritising access and affordability, WHO’s updated lists provide governments with a blueprint to save lives, reduce disease burdens, and advance universal health coverage worldwide.
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