The book continues with a discussion of a central concept in global health, that of essential medicines. This is a striking example of how international negotiations can weaken and distort the basic concepts of public health developed by the WHO and many WHO member countries over decades. We refer to the manner in which the concept of “essential medicines” is currently being replaced with the concept of “medical countermeasures”, thus stripping the former concept of its radically innovative nature and its capacity to promote social justice in health systems. The World Health Organization is an example of the weakening of the multilateral system. By addressing the various issues raised here—the different stakeholders, the financing, the treaties, the basic concepts—we attempt to show how endangered the organization is. This might inspire those who are concerned about the best way to safeguard a healthy life for all.