An essential medicine list (EML) is a compilation of the most essential medicines required to meet a population’s healthcare needs. It is curated by the World Health Organization (WHO) and serves as a guide for countries to prioritize and ensure access to life-saving medications. The list is updated every two years to reflect advancements in medical science, emerging health threats, and evolving healthcare priorities.
The WHO Essential Medicines List includes a wide range of therapeutic agents, from antibiotics to cancer treatments, and the 2025 lists include 523 medicines for adults and 374 for children (EMLc). These medicines are chosen based on their safety, efficacy, and cost-effectiveness, ensuring they are available, affordable, and of high quality for those who need them most. The list plays a critical role in guiding national drug procurement and public health policies, particularly in resource-limited settings.
The EML highlights 41 antibiotics from the AWaRe classification to treat common and serious infections, ensuring effective treatments remain available even amid rising antimicrobial resistance (AMR). These antibiotics are selected for their proven efficacy, safety profile, and essential role in treating life-threatening infections.