Misoprostol Added to WHO Model List of Essential Medicines

This month, misoprostol, a low-cost and life-saving drug, was added to the WHO Model Lists of Essential Medicines (EML) for the prevention of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). This is vital because PPH is the leading cause of maternal mortality, accounting for nearly one quarter of all maternal deaths worldwide, reaching as high as 60% in some countries. Since developing countries often look to the WHO when setting their national health policies, the announcement marks a tremendous call to action in placing misoprostol and the issue of PPH on the global agenda. Click here to read the WHO report.