Health TV Online/Kathmandu : As world leaders prepare to meet at the 79th United Nations High-Level Meeting on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), they have been urged to take more decisive action on AMR, one of the top ten global health threats.

This is only the second time a UN High-Level Meeting (UNHLM) on AMR is going to be held (the first was in 2016).

“The first UNHLM on AMR in 2016 was a milestone and drove much of the key results that we can see today in the AMR response. Quadripartite organizations are too united to address AMR using the One Health approach worldwide (these include the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH). The joint strategic framework of the 4 quadripartite organizations (FAO, UNEP, WHO, and WOAH) defines and guides our joint collaboration, global coordination, and cooperation in addressing AMR,” said Dr. Jean Pierre Nyemazi, Acting Director, Global Coordination and Partnership Department, and Director of the Quadripartite Joint Secretariat on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), WHO.

The theme of the 2nd UNHLM on AMR on 26 September 2024 is “Investing in the present and securing our future together: Accelerating multisectoral global, regional, and national actions to address antimicrobial resistance.”

“The final draft text of the political declaration, which has been submitted to all the heads of governments worldwide and which will be the basis of all discussions at the global meet on September 26th at UNHLM on AMR, is online now,” said Dr. Nyemazi.

Drug-resistant infections know no borders, meaning no single country can respond to AMR alone. UNHLM on AMR meeting is an important opportunity for world leaders to collectively address the looming threat AMR poses to global health, food security, and achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is currently one of the greatest global threats. It results in millions of deaths, long-lasting disabilities, and increased health care costs. It also has severe impacts on livelihoods, threatens food security, and results in the loss of animal lives,” said Dr. Nyemazi.

The primary driver of AMR is the misuse and overuse of antimicrobials (antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, and antiparasitics) in human, animal, and plant health. It is further complicated by the increased incidence of infections due to the poor quality of drinking water, low access to sanitation, and insufficient infection control in healthcare facilities. Inappropriate disposal of waste, especially those with antimicrobials, contributes to the spread of AMR.

“Rising levels of AMR will hinder progress towards many of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those focussing on health and well-being, poverty reduction, food security, the environment,  and economic growth,” said Dr. Nyemazi.