The World Health Organization [WHO] Model List of Essential Medicines has spearheaded the essential drugs movement globally since its inception in 1977. The list is updated every two years. When WHO published the first Model List of Essential Drugs in 1977, it identified 208 individual drugs which together could provide safe and effective treatment for the majority of communicable and non-communicable diseases around the globe, afflicting the vast majority of the world's population. The current version, the 13th list, was released in April 2003. It contains 315 active substances, including 12 antiretroviral drugs and over 60 other essential medicines for HIV-related care.

Download a copy of the WHO 13th List of Essential Medicines >>


For further information on the WHO philosophy behind rational drug use and the concept of essential medicines please visit the WHO Department of Essential Drugs and Medicines Policy at: <http://www.who.int/medicines/default.shtml>

To access WHO essential medicines library, visit  <http://mednet3.who.int/mf/ >