PEDIATRICS Vol. 62 No. 2 August 1978, pp. 165
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EXPERTS MEET, DRAW UP MODEL LIST OF ESSENTIAL DRUGS

In the light of present scientific knowledge, approximately 200 drugs are indispensable for the health care of the vast majority of the world's population. This was the conclusion of the WHO Expert Committee on the Selection of Essential Drugs, which met in Geneva from 17 to 22 October. The committee's full report will be submitted, together with other Expert Committee reports, to the Executive Board of WHO during its 11-27 January 1978 session.

In its deliberations the Committee benefited from the worldwide response to a preliminary model list issued after a consultation held in Geneva in October 1976. Comments and suggestions were received from the six regional offices of WHO, more than 100 experts from over 40 countries, and nongovernmental organizations in official relations with WHO.

The Committee drew attention to the fact that drug costs account for up to 40% of the total health budget in some developing countries. In affluent nations as well, governments appear to be increasingly worried by the rising expenditure for pharmaceutical products.

In the least developed countries, where communicable disease control and elementary health care are the major concerns, large segments of the population are in urgent need of essential drugs and vaccines. For their limited financial resources to be put to optimal use, the drugs available must be restricted to those proven to be therapeutically effective, to have acceptable safety, and to satisfy the health needs of the population.