WHO - World Health Organization

09/26/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/27/2024 13:57

WHO Director General's opening remarks at the media briefing on the UN high level meeting on antimicrobial resistance – 26 September 2024

Thank you.

Let me begin by expressing my deep appreciation to Prime Minister Mottley for her outstanding leadership on this critical global health issue.

The key ingredient in moving the needle on any issue is political commitment, and Prime Minister Mottley has demonstrated that commitment herself, and advocated for it with other leaders.

So Prime Minister, please accept on behalf of all leaders here, our respect and appreciation.

As you know, later this morning, we expect the 193 Member States of the United Nations to approve the political declaration on antimicrobial resistance.

If approved, the declaration is a strong signal from countries that they are committed to addressing this global threat.

Today, AMR is one of the most urgent global health threats, killing over a million people a year.

AMR could unwind 100 years of medical progress, making infections that are easily treatable today a death sentence.

Despite the rapid spread of resistance, we are facing an alarmingly dry pipeline for new antibiotics.

No country is immune to this threat, but low- and middle-income countries bear the greatest burden.

The declaration includes a target to reduce global deaths associated with bacterial AMR by 10% by 2030.

WHO is supporting countries to respond to the threat of AMR, but achieving the target in the declaration requires action beyond the health sector to protect and promote the health of animals, plants and our environment.

That's why WHO, FAO, WOAH and UNEP are working together closely in the Quadripartite, with a One Health approach.

WHO is committed to formalizing the Quadripartite Joint Secretariat, as requested in the declaration.

We're also committed to establishing an Independent Panel on Evidence for Action against AMR by next year, and to updating the Global Action Plan on AMR by 2026.

I commend Member States for their commitment to addressing this threat, and for their hard work in negotiating this declaration.

We urge all countries to take immediate action on the commitments in the declaration. WHO stands ready to support them to do that.

Thank you.