Roundtable Report on next steps for essential cancer medicines

In light of the release of the updated Model List of Essential Medicines (EML) by the WHO the roundtable drew participants from across the globe and built on experiences from the public and private sectors as well as a range of civil society groups. The topics discussed included the pressing need for national EMLs, cancer registries and potential collaborations to improve price transparency and innovative health financing. Reflecting on this the participants noted that the availability of essential medicines and technologies varies significantly across the globe and that concerted efforts are needed by all groups to spark initial discussions and action nationally, regionally and internationally.
 
The Model EML aims to identify cost-effective medicines which address critical public health issues in call countries. The 2015 Model EML is the culmination of an extensive review process which included valuable input from many UICC member organisations. This review saw the largest single addition of medicines since the lists inception with the inclusion of 16 new cancer medicines bringing the total up to 46 for the 2015 EML. Explore this further on the WHO’s essential medicines page or using UICC’s EML infographic.
 
UICC and NCI-CGH organised the roundtable as part of our ongoing commitment to achieve 80% availability of affordable basic technologies and essential medicines by 2025 set out in WHO’s Global Action Plan on NCDs. Click here to download the roundtable report and here to read more about the GAP-NCD.