In a landmark decision at the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), global leaders endorsed a political declaration to address the escalating crisis of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The agreement outlines a set of clear targets and commitments, including a 10% reduction in the estimated 4.95 million annual human deaths linked to bacterial AMR by 2030.

The declaration, adopted at the UNGA High-Level Meeting on AMR, calls for a multifaceted approach that spans across human, animal, agricultural, and environmental health sectors. With this initiative, leaders have set ambitious goals to ensure that at least 60% of countries have funded national action plans on AMR by 2030. The political declaration also aims to secure sustainable national financing, along with US $100 million in catalytic funding through diversified sources, including the Antimicrobial Resistance Multi-Partner Trust Fund.

Coordinated Efforts from Global Health Agencies

The collaborative efforts of four leading international organizations—the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH)—also known as the Quadripartite, played a crucial role in drafting and supporting the declaration. The Quadripartite emphasizes the need for global, regional, and national efforts to combat AMR using a One Health approach, which recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, plant, and environmental health.

Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados, AMR survivors, civil society representatives, and stakeholders from across the world were among the global champions advocating for this comprehensive response.

“Antimicrobial resistance threatens to unwind decades of medical progress, making it one of the most pressing health challenges of our time,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “Today’s declaration includes vital commitments that, if translated into action, will help to track AMR, slow its spread, and expand access to antimicrobial medicines, while also spurring the development of new ones.”

Combatting AMR Through a Unified Global Strategy

AMR occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites become resistant to medicines, rendering infections difficult or impossible to treat, and increasing the risk of disease spread, severe illness, and death. Addressing this global health threat requires a multisectoral approach, combining targeted interventions across human, animal, and environmental sectors.

The political declaration sets a new benchmark for global AMR governance, including a commitment that by 2030, at least 70% of antibiotics used for human health globally should belong to the WHO’s Access group of antibiotics, which have relatively minimal side effects and a lower potential to cause resistance. In terms of infection prevention and control (IPC), the declaration calls for 100% of countries to have basic water, sanitation, hygiene, and waste management services in all health care facilities, and for 90% of countries to meet all WHO’s minimum requirements for IPC programs by 2030.

Key Actions in Agriculture and the Environment

The declaration also highlights the urgent need to reduce the use of antimicrobials in agriculture and animal health, targeting a significant reduction in the quantity of antimicrobials used globally in the agri-food systems by 2030. This will involve prioritizing and funding the implementation of measures to prevent and control infections and ensuring the prudent, responsible, and evidence-based use of antimicrobials in animal health.

“The intersectoral challenge of AMR demands a One Health systems approach that unites human, animal, plant, and environmental health,” stated FAO Director-General QU Dongyu. “Sustainable, consistent, and diversified financing is essential to support the clear priorities and measurable targets for decisive action.”

On the environmental front, the declaration calls for increased research to better understand the role of environmental factors in the development and transmission of AMR. Inger Andersen, Executive Director of UNEP, emphasized the need for action, noting that “evidence is mounting that the environment plays a significant role in the development, spread, and transmission of AMR, including transmission between humans and animals. If we’re to reduce the burden of AMR, the environment must be part of the solution.”

Next Steps: Implementing a Unified Global Action Plan

The declaration formalizes the Quadripartite Joint Secretariat on AMR as the central coordinating mechanism to support a global response to AMR. By 2026, the Quadripartite, in collaboration with countries, will update the Global Action Plan (GAP) on AMR to ensure a robust and inclusive multisectoral strategy. The Quadripartite has also been tasked with establishing an independent panel for evidence-based action against AMR in 2025, following a global consultation with member states.

The political declaration underscores the need for stronger partnerships between the public and private sectors, academia, and international organizations. It calls for increased investment in research, innovation, capacity building, and preventive measures, while also ensuring universal access to medicines, treatments, and diagnostics.

“We must ensure universal access to medicines, treatments, and diagnostics, while promoting preventive measures and investing in research, innovation, capacity building, and bold awareness initiatives,” said QU Dongyu.

A Roadmap to Safeguarding the Future of Health

With clear targets and a unified strategy in place, the declaration sets a critical foundation for global action to combat AMR. By leveraging a One Health approach, stakeholders hope to protect the effectiveness of life-saving antimicrobials for future generations, ensuring that the world is better prepared to tackle one of the most formidable health challenges of our time.