01797nas a2200253   4500000000100000008004100001260002400042653002400066653003900090653003600129653001800165653000800183653001100191653001500202100001300217700001300230700001200243700001200255700001200267245014200279856009600421300000900517520101700526       2025                            d  c25/11/2025bMDPI AG10aEssential medicines10aNeglected tropical diseases (NTDs)10aLow and middle income countries10aAccessibility10aWHO10aAdults10apaediatric1 aFattah F1 aLester R1 aKalua K1 aSharp B1 aWasan K00aEquitable Access of Essential Medicines to Treat Neglected Tropical Diseases-Latest Developments from the World Health Organization (WHO)  uhttps://www.preprints.org/frontend/manuscript/813e0bba8208ffef6bb698152ff7f258/download_pub  a1-103 a<jats:p>In July 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) released the 23rd Model List of Essential Medicines (EML) for adults and the 9th Model List of EML for children. These lists serve as global references for essential medicines that should be universally available, accessible and affordable. This editorial explores recent updates to the WHO EML lists, with a particular focus on medicines addressing neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). We discuss the persistent barriers to equitable access, including economic, regulatory, and logistical challenges; highlight global initiatives aimed at improving accessibility; and propose strategies to bridge the gap in essential medicine access. We emphasize the need for international collaboration, increased funding for research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and global health initiatives to support the development of novel treatments for NTDs, and innovative distribution approaches to ensure these medications reach underserved populations.</jats:p>