Health products policy and standards
Our team provides authoritative guidance and standards on quality, safety and efficacy of health products and supports countries to formulate evidence-based policies and ensure good practice throughout the value chain.

About us

The norms and standards for pharmaceuticals developed by WHO are prepared through a vast global consultative process involving WHO Member States, national regulatory authorities and international agencies; in consultation with the WHO Expert Advisory Panel on the International Pharmacopoeia and Pharmaceutical Preparations, specialists from industry, national institutions, nongovernmental organizations, and so on. 

Impact in numbers

479

essential medicines

For meeting the priority health care needs of the population

22nd List 2021

208

essential medicines

The first WHO essential medicines list in 1977 identified 208 individual drugs.

1st List 1977

479

essential medicines

For meeting the priority health care needs of the population

22nd List 2021

208

essential medicines

The first WHO essential medicines list in 1977 identified 208 individual drugs.

1st List 1977

Contact Information

External Quality Assurance Assessment Scheme (EQAAS)

eqaas@who.int

International Pharmacopoeia and International Chemical Reference Substances (ICRS)

pharmacopoeia@who.int
Guidelines for pharmaceuticals
nsp@who.int

WHO Biowaiver project

biowaiver@who.int

General enquiries and all other issues

nsp@who.int