United Nations adopts political declaration on antimicrobial resistance at UNGA

The declaration highlights the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance as a critical global health and development issue, emphasizing the urgent need for coordinated global action to tackle the challenge

Published in Oct 01, 2024 02:27 PM

During the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) last week, the Political Declaration of the High-Level Meeting on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) was officially adopted. The document recognizes antimicrobial resistance as a serious threat to global health and sustainable development, calling for immediate and coordinated international efforts to address this issue.

Approved by Heads of State, Government leaders, and representatives from various nations, the Declaration emphasizes that antimicrobial resistance undermines the ability to treat human diseases. It also underscores its impact on food security, nutrition, and economic development—key elements of the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Key highlights of the Declaration include:

Effective governance and adequate funding to tackle AMR.

Ensuring secure access to antimicrobials.

The need for a coordinated, multisectoral response that integrates human health, animal health, agriculture, and the environment.

Strengthening research, innovation, surveillance, and monitoring systems to combat AMR.

A notable aspect of the document is its inclusive approach, covering all sectors related to antimicrobial resistance. The Declaration promotes collaboration and shared responsibility across health, agriculture, and environmental sectors to foster coordinated action at all levels.

Brazil played a prominent role in the negotiations, with contributions from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock—represented by the Secretariat of Trade and International Relations and the Secretariat of Agricultural Defense—and the Ministry of Health. Guilherme Antonio da Costa Júnior, Chief of Staff at the Secretariat of Trade and International Relations and a former President of the Codex Alimentarius Commission, represented the Ministry of Agriculture at the High-Level Meeting. He is also a member of the Global Leaders Group on AMR.

On a national level, Brazil achieved a historic milestone during its G20 presidency. On September 13, a Ministerial Declaration on Agriculture was adopted, marking the first consensus on the issue since 2019. The declaration specifically addresses antimicrobial resistance and reinforces the One Health approach, which integrates human, animal, plant, and environmental health. The G20 reaffirmed its commitment to the "Code of Practice to Minimize and Contain Antimicrobial Resistance Transmitted through Food" from the Codex Alimentarius Commission and emphasized the responsible use of antimicrobials based on scientific evidence and risk analysis.

The adoption of the Political Declaration at the UNGA in New York marks a significant step forward in global efforts to combat AMR, raising hopes that coordinated international action can help mitigate the effects of this growing threat.

Brazil's delegation was led by Dr. Ethel Leonor Noia Maciel, Deputy Minister of Health for Health Surveillance and Environment, with support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Their participation underscores Brazil's strong commitment to combating antimicrobial resistance and promoting international cooperation on this critical global health issue.

Press information
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