• The World Health Organization’s release of the 24th Model List of Essential Medicines (EML) and the 10th Essential Medicines for Children (EMLc) in 2025 is a reminder of the critical role that access to medicines plays in global health equity.
• By including newer treatments for cancer, diabetes, obesity, and other life-threatening diseases, the updated lists seek to bridge the gap between medical innovation and availability in low- and middle-income countries.
• Since their inception in 1977, the EML and EMLc have become indispensable tools for over 150 nations, shaping drug procurement, public insurance schemes, and reimbursement policies.
• The lists act as a compass for governments, ensuring that limited healthcare budgets are directed toward the most impactful treatments.
• Regular revisions are not merely technical updates—they are lifelines for millions who depend on affordable access to essential therapies.