WHO Updates Essential Medicines List for Chronic Care
New treatments for cancer, hepatitis C, and tuberculosis are added to help improve global access to standard-of-care therapies.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Cancer
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The World Health Organization (WHO) updated its Model List of Essential Medicines to include new treatments for hepatitis C, cancer, and tuberculosis. This biennial revision aims to improve global access to medications for diseases that impact millions of lives annually.
Why it matters
Updating the list ensures that national healthcare systems prioritize the most effective, evidence-based treatments for chronic and life-threatening conditions. This is essential for addressing the rising burden of disease, including a projected 70% increase in cancer cases over the next twenty years.
An Expert Committee reviewed 77 medicine applications based on clinical efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness. The selection includes 16 new cancer medicines, 5 hepatitis C antivirals, and 5 tuberculosis products, though the committee ultimately rejected the inclusion of ranibizumab for severe eye diseases.
The players
World Health Organization
A United Nations agency responsible for international public health, which periodically updates global standards for medicine.
The details
The Expert Committee evaluates medications by analyzing public health data and clinical trial outcomes every two years to ensure the list reflects current medical standards. New additions target critical gaps, such as multi-drug resistant tuberculosis strains and the global hepatitis C epidemic, which affects approximately 150 million people. By formalizing these inclusions, the WHO provides a template for countries to structure their own essential medicine policies for equitable distribution.
Timeline
2012: Global cancer cases and deaths were measured.
2013: Global tuberculosis illness and death counts were recorded.
April 20-24, 2015: The Expert Committee meeting occurred at WHO Headquarters.
Health Landscape
The WHO Model List of Essential Medicines serves as the global benchmark for identifying core pharmaceutical needs. This update modifies the existing repository to reflect the latest oncological and infectious disease therapies.
These updates are designed to influence national health policies and insurance coverage for life-saving drugs. If you are managing a condition like hepatitis C or cancer, discuss with your doctor whether the latest treatment standards in your region reflect these global evidence-based guidelines.
The takeaway
The WHO list is a critical tool for ensuring that high-impact treatments reach the patients who need them most. Track your health by staying informed about standard-of-care guidelines for your condition and asking your physician if current treatments align with the latest clinical evidence.
Further reading
For more on the current strategies in oncology, visit our Cancer section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Who.
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