In a landmark decision praised as “transformational” and a “game changer,” the World Health Organization (WHO) has added sunscreen to its Model List of Essential Medicines.
This decision is particularly significant for persons with albinism, whose lived experiences are often defined by extreme vulnerability to ultraviolet radiation and a disproportionately high risk of skin cancer.
The announcement follows a years-long advocacy effort led by Muluka-Anne Miti-Drummond, the UN Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism, and a coalition of global partners.
In a note of gratitude, Miti-Drummond expressed her profound appreciation for the collaborative spirit that drove the successful application.
“Through your support, solidarity, and active participation in meetings—often called at short notices—you invested time and knowledge and made personal sacrifices in the interest and good of others,” she wrote. “Almost all made themselves available voluntarily or readily accepted my request for support without condition or monetary reward.”
The journey to include sunscreen on the WHO’s Essential Medicines List began in May 2022, when the Albinism secretariat, at the request of the Independent Expert, initiated contact with the WHO EML Secretariat. After consultations with numerous partners, including the Global Albinism Alliance, Pierre Fabre Foundation, Beyond Suncare, ILDS, Global Skin, and Standing Voice, a formal application was submitted in December 2022.
While the initial application was unsuccessful, the Independent Expert, with support from the Albinism secretariat, resurrected the application in June 2024 with a revamped submission. On hearing about the good news, member states, albinism groups, scientists, activists, academics, and NGOs all showed positive support.
The WHO’s Model List of Essential Medicines serves as a guide for countries in developing their own national lists of essential medicines, ensuring that vital medications are available and affordable. For persons with albinism, whose access to sunscreen is often limited and costly, this decision promises to have a profound impact on their health and well-being.
“This victory—small as it may look in the grander scheme of challenges faced by persons with albinism globally—underlines the significant positive impact that collective efforts and deeper partnerships can play when we put our hearts and minds together. To them this decision is dedicated, and for them, this mandate was created to complement their remarkable resilience and devotion to putting together the building blocks of a better world”, Miti-Drummond concluded.
WHO Adds Sunscreen to Essential Medicines List, a Major Victory for Persons with Albinism
In a landmark decision praised as “transformational” and a “game changer,” the World Health Organization (WHO) has added sunscreen to its Model List of Essential Medicines.
This decision is particularly significant for persons with albinism, whose lived experiences are often defined by extreme vulnerability to ultraviolet radiation and a disproportionately high risk of skin cancer.
The announcement follows a years-long advocacy effort led by Muluka-Anne Miti-Drummond, the UN Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism, and a coalition of global partners.
In a note of gratitude, Miti-Drummond expressed her profound appreciation for the collaborative spirit that drove the successful application.
“Through your support, solidarity, and active participation in meetings—often called at short notices—you invested time and knowledge and made personal sacrifices in the interest and good of others,” she wrote. “Almost all made themselves available voluntarily or readily accepted my request for support without condition or monetary reward.”
The journey to include sunscreen on the WHO’s Essential Medicines List began in May 2022, when the Albinism secretariat, at the request of the Independent Expert, initiated contact with the WHO EML Secretariat. After consultations with numerous partners, including the Global Albinism Alliance, Pierre Fabre Foundation, Beyond Suncare, ILDS, Global Skin, and Standing Voice, a formal application was submitted in December 2022.
While the initial application was unsuccessful, the Independent Expert, with support from the Albinism secretariat, resurrected the application in June 2024 with a revamped submission. On hearing about the good news, member states, albinism groups, scientists, activists, academics, and NGOs all showed positive support.
The WHO’s Model List of Essential Medicines serves as a guide for countries in developing their own national lists of essential medicines, ensuring that vital medications are available and affordable. For persons with albinism, whose access to sunscreen is often limited and costly, this decision promises to have a profound impact on their health and well-being.
“This victory—small as it may look in the grander scheme of challenges faced by persons with albinism globally—underlines the significant positive impact that collective efforts and deeper partnerships can play when we put our hearts and minds together. To them this decision is dedicated, and for them, this mandate was created to complement their remarkable resilience and devotion to putting together the building blocks of a better world”, Miti-Drummond concluded.
SOURCE: DisabilityNewsGH.com
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