September 2025
In a significant move for global healthcare, the World Health Organization (WHO) has added semaglutide to its Essential Medicines List (EML) in September 2025. The decision underscores the growing recognition of semaglutide’s efficacy in managing type 2 diabetes, particularly for patients with additional health risks such as cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, or obesity.
Semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, has been widely acknowledged for its dual benefits in controlling blood sugar levels and reducing weight among adults with type 2 diabetes. By including semaglutide in the EML, the WHO aims to provide guidance to countries on prioritizing essential medications within their healthcare systems, particularly for high-risk populations.
Experts say that semaglutide’s inclusion reflects the growing evidence of its benefits beyond glycemic control. Clinical studies have shown that semaglutide can significantly lower the risk of cardiovascular events and improve kidney outcomes in adults with type 2 diabetes who are at elevated risk. Moreover, its efficacy in supporting weight reduction provides an added advantage for patients struggling with obesity, a common comorbidity in type 2 diabetes.
The WHO’s EML serves as a benchmark for national governments and healthcare authorities to ensure that essential medicines are accessible, safe, and cost-effective. By recommending semaglutide, the organization encourages countries to consider integrating this treatment into their standard care protocols, which could improve outcomes for millions of patients worldwide.
Healthcare professionals have welcomed the move, noting that access to semaglutide can significantly impact public health, especially in low- and middle-income countries where diabetes-related complications are on the rise. Policymakers are now expected to evaluate strategies for making semaglutide widely available and affordable for patients who meet the criteria.
The WHO’s addition of semaglutide to its Essential Medicines List marks a milestone in diabetes care, offering a new tool for managing complex cases with cardiovascular, kidney, or obesity-related comorbidities. As countries align their healthcare policies with WHO guidelines, millions of adults with type 2 diabetes could benefit from improved access to this life-changing medication.
