World leaders commit to decisive action against antibiotic resistance

Achieving the goals by 2030 requires global multisectoral action

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

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

On agriculture and animal healththe declaration contains commitments to significantly reduce the amount of antimicrobials used globally in agri-food systems by 2030 by prioritizing and financing the implementation of infection prevention and control measures and by ensuring the prudent, responsible and evidence-based use of antimicrobials in animal health. This should be achieved in the context of the list of priority diseases of WOAH and FAO RENOFARM initiative, as well as prevention strategies, including animal vaccination strategies, good husbandry practices, biosecurity and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH).

On surroundingsthe declaration emphasizes the need to prevent and solve the problem of the release of antimicrobial agents into the environment. It also calls for increased research and knowledge on the ecological dimensions of AMR and for catalyzing action to address key sources of antimicrobial pollution.

Recognizing that AMR is a complex problem, the declaration recognizes the need for a multisectoral response that combines interventions specific to the human, agricultural, animal and environmental sectors.

“The cross-sectoral challenge of AMR requires a One health a systems approach that integrates human, animal, plant and environmental health, supported by robust and accountable global AMR management. Sustainable, diverse funding is essential to support the setting of clear priorities and measurable goals that drive decisive action while respecting national and regional contexts. We must ensure universal access to medicines, treatments and diagnostics, especially in developing countries and across all sectors, while promoting preventive measures and investing in research, innovation, capacity building and bold awareness initiatives. Our health depends on safe, nutritious food, and food security depends on healthy, sustainable, resilient and inclusive agri-food systems. For almost 79 years, FAO has been steadfast in its mission to ensure safe, nutritious food for all. We fully support this declaration and remain committed to a multi-sectoral, multi-stakeholder approach to address the risks of AMR in agri-food systems,” said FAO Director-General QU Dongyu.

“There is increasing evidence that the environment plays a significant role in the development, spread and transmission of AMR, including human-animal-to-human transmission. And why if we want to reduce the burden of AMR and its risks, the environment must be part of the solution. Today's declaration recognizes this need, and UNEP will continue to be at the forefront of efforts to reduce the burden of AMR on societies and tackle the triple planetary crisis,” said Inger Andersen, UNEP Executive Director.

“In the century since Alexander Fleming stumbled upon penicillin in a London laboratory, antibiotics have become a mainstay of medicine, turning once-deadly infections into treatable conditions,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “Antimicrobial resistance threatens to halt this progress, making it arguably one of the most pressing health challenges of our time. Today's declaration includes vital commitments that, if translated into action, will help track AMR, slow it down, expand access to antimicrobials such as antibiotics, and encourage the development of new ones.”

“Antimicrobials are helping animals and people live longer and healthier lives, but many of these life-saving drugs are dangerously losing their effectiveness, which has devastating effects not only on human health, but also on livestock and the economy in general,” said WOAH Director -and. General Dr. Emmanuelle Soubeyran. “Urgent action is needed and we welcome the numerous commitments that countries have made with this political declaration. Prioritizing preventive measures against infectious diseases in animals is extremely important. That is why WOAH will continue to assist countries by developing standards and guidelines, evaluating policy frameworks for antimicrobial prescribing, and supporting the implementation of biosecurity and vaccination programs for priority diseases that can help reduce the need for antimicrobials, among other measures.”

A clear path forward

The declaration formalizes a permanent quadrilateral joint secretariat on AMR as a central coordination mechanism to support the global response to AMR. It also calls on the quadripartite organizations, together with countries, to update the Global Action Plan (GAP) on antimicrobial resistance by 2026 to ensure a strong and inclusive multisectoral response, through a One Health approach. The declaration also gives the Quadripartite a mandate to monitor and report on the implementation of the GAP and the outcome of the political declaration.