WHO releases new critical medicines list to treat radiation and nuclear emergencies

The World Health Organization (WHO) has updated its critical medicines list for radiological and nuclear emergencies, updating the 2007 list The medications on the list prevent or treat over-exposure to radiation. “This updated critical medicines list will be a vital preparedness and readiness tool for our partners to identify, procure, stockpile and deliver effective countermeasures in a timely fashion to those at risk or exposed in these events,” Dr. Mike Ryan, executive cirector of the WHO’s Health Emergencies Programme, said in a press release. A typical stockpile would include stable iodine, which prevents or reduces the impact of radiation on the thyroid; chelating sand decorporating agents; cytokines, which can mitigate damage to bone marrow; and medicines for vomiting, diarrhea and infections. The WHO reports that almost half of its Member States said in May 2022 that they weren’t prepared for radiation emergencies. In fact, “preparedness for radiation emergencies is consistently reported as the weakest area of preparedness in many countries,” the report said. Read: WHO decision on COVID-19 emergency won't affect Canada's response: Dr. Tam The report also offers advice on how medications should be stockpiled in case of emergency, and the role of national health authorities in developing those stockpiles. It includes studies of countries doing so, including the U.S., Argentina, Brazil, France and Germany. And it gives advice about how they those medications should be managed in case of emergencies. It also includes a review of some emerging technologies and drug formulations in this area, including some products that could be repurposed. “In radiation emergencies, people may be exposed to radiation at doses ranging from negligible to life-threatening. Governments need to make treatments available for those in need–fast,” said Dr. Maria Neira, WHO acting assistant director-general a.i, Healthier Populations Division. “It is essential that governments are prepared to protect the health of populations and respond immediately to emergencies. This includes having ready supplies of lifesaving medicines that will reduce risks and treat injuries from radiation.” Read: WHO renames monkeypox as mpox, citing racism concerns

WHO releases new critical medicines list to treat radiation and nuclear emergencies

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