FAO, UNEP, WHO and WOAH welcome agreement at UN General Assembly meeting, including target to reduce human deaths from AMR by 10% by 2030.
World leaders have pledged to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR) through a unified front, committing to reduce AMR-related deaths by 10% by 2030. This bold declaration was made at the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) High-Level Meeting on Antimicrobial Resistance.
The declaration emphasizes the urgent need for multisectoral action, recognizing that AMR affects not only human health but also animal health, agriculture, and the environment. Leaders from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), World Health Organization (WHO), and World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) – collectively known as the Quadripartite – welcomed the declaration.
Key Targets and Actions:
Human Health: Reduce antibiotic use and promote infection prevention and control measures, aiming for 100% of countries with basic water, sanitation, hygiene, and waste management services in healthcare facilities by 2030 ¹.
Agriculture and Animal Health: Decrease antimicrobial use in agri-food systems, prioritizing preventive measures and responsible use of antimicrobials in animal health.
Environment: Prevent and address antimicrobial pollution, promoting research and knowledge sharing.
A Call to Action:
The declaration formalizes the Quadripartite Joint Secretariat on AMR as the central coordinating mechanism and requests updates to the Global Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance by 2026 ¹. It also emphasizes the importance of sustainable financing, reporting quality surveillance data, and strengthening global AMR governance mechanisms.
Leaders from FAO, UNEP, WHO, and WOAH stressed the need for collective action, recognizing that AMR demands a One Health approach that unites human, animal, plant, and environmental health. With this declaration, the world takes a crucial step towards mitigating the risks of antimicrobial resistance and ensuring a healthier future for all.
WHO/Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
