The Better Medicines for Children (BMC) initiative of the World Health Organization (WHO) began in December 2007 as a consequence of the World Health Assembly resolution 60.20, when there was overwhelming evidence that nearly 50% of children under 5 years of age were dying of preventable diseases for which medicines existed. The need to improve access, develop “child friendly” formulations, conduct research, and use medicines in an optimal manner were the main objectives of the “make medicines child size” program. The initial global activity of this project was to prepare an Essential Medicines List for children (EMLc). This was followed up with a children’s formulary, identifying “child friendly” formulations and engaging health policy makers, decision makers, health care professionals, and representatives of professional associations in promoting the cause of BMC.