[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”!!! PLEASE DO NOT EDIT !!!” _builder_version=”4.19.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row admin_label=”!!! PLEASE DO NOT EDIT !!!” _builder_version=”4.19.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.19.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”TO BE EDITED – SUMMARY – Click on the WHEEL icon to open the textarea where you can paste or type your summary. The summary condenses the main points for the news that starts below. The summary is in bold and not longer than 300 characters, including spaces. The counter at the bottom can help.” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||20px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Many countries waste health resources by not systematically updating their essential medicines lists. Evidence-based reviews\u2014like Uganda\u2019s, which found savings from smarter diabetes drug choices\u2014can improve access, equity, and health outcomes while freeing funds for broader care priorities<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”TO BE EDITED – TEXT OF THE NEWS – BLOCK 1 – Click on the WHEEL icon to open the textarea where you can paste or type your news. PLEASE USE ONLY THE FEATURED IMAGE FUNCTION on your right column to add the image.” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||1em||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Many countries are missing out on significant health gains and budget savings by not regularly revising their essential medicines lists through evidence-based analysis. The World Health Organization (WHO) created the Essential Medicines List to help guide countries in providing necessary, effective, and affordable medicines for their populations. However, in practice, ministries often fail to update these lists systematically\u2014favoring donor preferences or established supply chains over thorough, transparent reviews. This can force patients to pay out of pocket for medicines that should be available for free, such as in Uganda where diabetes patients face significant barriers.<\/p>\n