UPA and LNG EC pills in WHO’s List of Essential Medicines
October 2025 — Last September, the World Health Organization (WHO) published the 24th Model List of Essential Medicines (EML). Levonorgestrel (LNG) emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) have been included in the EML since 1999, and ulipristal acetate (UPA) ECPs since 2017, underscoring their continued importance in ensuring access to safe and effective reproductive health options.
Essential medicines are those that satisfy the priority health care needs of a population, selected based on disease prevalence, public health relevance, evidence of efficacy and safety, and comparative cost-effectiveness. They are intended to be available in all functioning health systems at all times, in appropriate dosage forms, of assured quality, and at affordable prices.
The WHO publishes the Model List of Essential Medicines every two years as a guide for countries and regional authorities to adapt according to local priorities and treatment guidelines.
Access the electronic EML: https://list.essentialmeds.org/
