Safe Abortion Supplies Workstream members support updates to new WHO Model List of Essential Medicines

The World Health Organization (WHO) has recently published the 21^st Model List of Essential Medicines, 2019 (EML). The Expert Committee made the following updates to the mifepristone/misoprostol combi-pack listing in the EML:

• Mifepristone/misoprostol moved from the Complementary to Core Model List of Essential Medicines
• Asterisk removed stating that close medical supervision is required for administration of mifepristone/misoprostol for medical abortion
• Dosage form included for combi-pack containing: mifepristone 200 milligram tablet [1] and misoprostol 200 microgram tablet [4]

The 21^st Model List of Essential Medicines 2019 can be found here.

Earlier in 2019, our Safe Abortion Supplies (SAS) Workstream submitted a joint letter of support advocating for these updates to the mifepristone/misoprostol combi-pack listing. This letter was signed by 15 member organizations of the SAS Workstream. The update to the EML is great news because it will support the expansion of access for women and girls to medical abortion and to quality reproductive healthcare globally.

Category: New/Underused RH Technologies Caucus