World leaders commit to decisive action on antimicrobial resistance

Global leaders have approved a political declaration at the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) High-Level Meeting on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), committing to a clear set of targets and actions, including reducing the estimated 4.95 million human deaths associated with bacterial antimicrobial resistance (AMR) annually by 10% by 2030.

The declaration also calls for sustainable national financing and US$100 million in catalytic funding, to help achieve a target of at least 60% of countries having funded national action plans on AMR by 2030. This goal is to be reached through, for example, diversifying funding sources and securing more contributors to the Antimicrobial Resistance Multi-Partner Trust Fund.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH), known as the Quadripartite, welcome the declaration. The Quadripartite applauds countries for recognizing the need for global, regional, and national efforts to address AMR through a One Health approach, recognizing that the health of people, animals, plants, and the wider environment, including ecosystems, are closely linked and interdependent.

Global champions involved with the meeting include Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados, AMR survivors, civil society, and stakeholder organizations from around the world.

AMR occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites no longer respond to medicines, making infections difficult or impossible to treat, and increasing the risk of disease spread, severe illness, and death.

Global multisectoral action needed to reach targets by 2030

On human health, the declaration sets a more ambitious target that at least 70% of antibiotics used for human health globally should belong to the WHO Access group antibiotics with relatively minimal side effects and lower potential to cause AMR.

It also includes targets around infection prevention and control (IPC), such as 100% of countries having basic water, sanitation, hygiene, and waste management services in all health care facilities and 90% of countries meeting all WHO’s minimum requirements for IPC programmes by 2030. There are also commitments to investments to facilitate equitable access to and appropriate use of antimicrobials and reporting surveillance data on antimicrobial use and AMR across sectors.

On agriculture and animal health, the declaration has commitments to, by 2030, meaningfully reduce the number of antimicrobials used globally in the agri-food systems by prioritizing and funding the implementation of measures to prevent and control infections and ensuring prudent, responsible, and evidence-based use of antimicrobials in animal health. This is to be achieved in the context of the WOAH list of priority diseases and FAO’s RENOFARM initiative, as well as preventive strategies, including animal vaccination strategies, good husbandry practices, biosecurity, and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH).

On the environment, the declaration underscores the need to prevent and address the discharge of antimicrobials into the environment. It also calls for increased research and knowledge on the environmental dimensions of AMR and for catalyzing actions to address key sources of antimicrobial pollution.

Acknowledging that AMR is a complex problem, the declaration recognizes the need for a multisectoral response combining human, agricultural, animal, and environmental sector-specific interventions.

FAO Director-General QU Dongyu emphasizes the need for a “One Health Systems” approach to address AMR, involving human, animal, plant, and environmental health. Sustainable financing, universal access to medicines, preventive measures, and investment in research are crucial. FAO remains committed to eliminating AMR risks in agriculture and food systems.

UNEP’s Executive Director, Inger Andersen, highlighted the environmental role in the development, spread, and transmission of AMR, emphasizing the need for a solution that includes the environment in reducing AMR burdens.

WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warns of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a pressing health challenge. The declaration includes commitments to track AMR, slow it down, expand access to antibiotics, and encourage the development of new ones.

Antimicrobials are losing efficacy, affecting human health, livestock, and the economy. WOAH Director General Dr. Emmanuelle Soubeyran emphasizes the need for urgent action and prioritizing preventative measures against infectious diseases in animals. WOAH will assist countries in developing standards, assessing policy frameworks, and supporting biosecurity and vaccination programs.

The Quadripartite Joint Secretariat on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is set to be the central coordinating mechanism for the global response to AMR. The declaration requests the Quadripartite organizations to update the Global Action Plan on AMR by 2026, promoting a One Health approach. The Quadripartite will also establish an independent panel for evidence against AMR in 2025. Key aspects include access to medicines, treatments, and diagnostics, incentives for multisectoral health research, and a stronger partnership between the public and private sectors. Countries are encouraged to report quality surveillance data on AMR by 2030.