March 3, 2026Open Access

Medicines for treatment of older people in guidelines and essential medicines lists, WHO African Region

Key Points

Geriatric medicine content is more common in treatment guidelines as the older population increases.
Countries with a higher proportion of those over 65 years are likely to expand geriatric medicine inclusion by 25%.
Observational analysis across countries highlights the need for more guidance on frailty and polypharmacy.
These findings support the need for improved geriatric care, but additional development is necessary.

Abstract

Countries in the African Region with a higher proportion of people older than 65 years were more likely to include geriatric medicine content in their standard treatment guidelines and essential medicines lists. There is considerable potential for expanding guidance on management of common geriatric conditions, such as frailty, incontinence and polypharmacy.

Medicines for treatment of older people in guidelines and essential medicines lists, WHO African Region

Key Points

Abstract

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