WHO technical requirements for medicines and health products in ITBs and RFPs

Overview

Updated January 2026.

WHO seeks to provide timely access to affordable, quality pharmaceutical products in accordance with the WHO Quality Assurance Policy (2018). This includes medicines, biologicals, and medical devices procured to support WHO programmes worldwide.

WHO pharmaceutical products are aligned with normative standards and guidelines and are designed to facilitate rational use across different health care services. Product selection is informed by the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines (EML), disease-specific treatment guidelines, and disease commodity packages.

This document provides guidance on the technical specifications and requirements for products procured by WHO.