The WHO Expert Committee on the Selection and Use of Essential Medicines met in Geneva in March 2005. Their task was to evaluate evidence-based material relating to the maintenance and updating of the Model List of Essential Medicines. The Model List presents a list of minimum medicine needs for a basic health care system, listing the most efficacious, safe and cost effective medicines for priority conditions. Two important items from the draft report (http://www.who.int/medicines/library/general/1-ReportFinal-unedited_010705.pdf) are presented below and the latest revision of the 14th Model List of Essential Medicines can be found on page 224.