OBJECTIVES: Analyzing the supply and guarantee level of medicines in the 8th WHO Model List of Essential Medicines for Children (EMLc) in China, Russia, and Brazil, to call on the policy makers to pay more attention to pediatric medication.

METHODS: Medicines were selected based on the translation and summary of the 8th EMLc. By searching relevant databases, which include different types of medical information in China, Russia, and Brazil, the marketing status and insurance level of the Pediatric medication in the three countries were summarized and analyzed.

RESULTS: In this study, 312 active ingredients and 485 drug products in the 8th WHO EMLc (2021) were included in the sample set, of which 344 medicines were available in China, 286 in Russia, and 264 in Brazil. Among these 344 medicines, 317 (accounting for 92.15%) were available for clinical use in children in China, 224 (accounting for 78.32%) in Russia and 218 (accounting for 82.58%) in Brazil. Regarding the labeling of guidance information in the instruction manual, 75.08%, 83.04%, and 88.07% of the medicines in China, Russia, and Brazil, respectively, clearly marked the usage and dosage. Further, injections and tablets were the most common dosage forms in the three countries.

CONCLUSIONS: Among the listed medicines, more than 75% of the medicines have been approved for pediatric clinical use in the three countries, but there is still room for improvement in pediatric medication security, such as vague medication guidance in the information leaflet and lack of dosage forms suitable for children.