At the Forefront of Global Efforts to Combat AMR at UNGA79
This week marks a pivotal moment in the global fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR) as world leaders and experts gather at the United Nations Headquarters in New York for the High-Level Meeting (HLM) on AMR at the 79th UN General Assembly (UNGA). The event on Thursday, 26th September, is expected to result in a new political declaration that will shape global AMR mitigation efforts for the coming years.
Why the High Level Meeting on AMR is Crucial
The HLM on AMR brings focused attention to the rising global health threat posed by AMR. AMR jeopardizes the effectiveness of treatments for common infections, with a disproportionate impacts in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where healthcare and veterinary systems are fragmented challenged. At this high-level meeting, the political declaration will serve as a crucial framework for unified global action. It will outline commitments to strengthening AMR surveillance, promoting antimicrobial stewardship, supporting research and development of new treatments, and ensuring equitable access to life-saving medicines and diagnostics.
The Political Declaration: A Game-Changer for AMR Mitigation
The adoption of this political declaration represents another significant milestone in the global response to AMR. It emphasizes a One Health approach—recognizing the interconnection between human, animal, and environmental health—and urges member states to take concrete, coordinated actions. The declaration will also serve to keep AMR high on the global health agenda, mobilizing resources and fostering accountability.
For Denmark, a global leader in AMR and responsible antimicrobial use, the declaration aligns with its decades long efforts to reduce antimicrobial consumption in agriculture and improve infection control practices. Denmark’s proactive stance in antimicrobial stewardship, particularly in food production, makes it a model for other nations.
In LMICs, where much of my work is focused, the declaration is particularly critical. These countries face significant challenges, including limited access to healthcare and veterinary services, diagnostics, preventative medicines like vaccines and alternatives to antibiotics. The political declaration will help catalyze international support for LMICs to improve capacity, develop sustainable agricultural practices, and enhance AMR containment in food value chains. The commitment to equitable access and financing is key for LMICs, where AMR disproportionately affects vulnerable populations.
Read the current version of the political declaration here
Key Takeaways from the Draft Political Declaration
- Reducing Global Deaths from AMR: The political declaration commits to reducing global AMR-related deaths by 10% by 2030. This is crucial for LMICs, where healthcare systems are under-resourced and drug-resistant infections pose significant risks.
- Financing for National Action Plans: Currently, only 11% of countries have dedicated funding for AMR national action plans. The declaration sets a target of $100 million in international support to help at least 60% of countries implement funded AMR action plans by 2030.
- Focus on Equitable Access: The declaration prioritizes equitable and timely access to antimicrobials, diagnostics, and vaccines, emphasizing the need for new procurement models and regional manufacturing capacity, particularly in LMICs.
- One Health Approach: The declaration underscores the importance of a cross-sectoral response to AMR that addresses human, animal, and environmental health. Strengthening infection prevention, promoting responsible use of antimicrobials, and supporting research are key strategies outlined in the document.
Personal Excitement for the Plenary Session
As a microbiologist working on AMR for 20 years at the University of Copenhagen and jointly affliated with the International Livestock Research Instiute in Nairobi, Kenya for the past 5 years, I am honored to attend the plenary session at the UN Headquarters this Thursday. Witnessing world leaders come together to commit to actions that will shape the future of global human and animal health, and not to forget the environment, is both humbling and inspiring. The commitments made during this high-level meeting will have long-lasting implications, particularly for the vulnerable populations in LMICs where the impact of resistant infections is most severe. I am excited to be part of this global dialogue and contribute to shaping policies and collaborations that can mitigate the spread of AMR, enhance access to diagnostics and treatments, and ultimately save lives.
Stay tuned for more updates from UNGA79.
Arshnee Moodley, Associate Professor, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences.