WHA 69, Item 14.4 Global action plan on antimicrobial resistance

Delivered by Nina Grundmann, Associate Manager, Global Health Policy, IFPMA

IFPMA commends WHO for presenting options for the establishment of a global development and stewardship framework and for its efforts to increase political awareness, engagement and leadership on AMR with the upcoming High Level Meeting on AMR.

Our industry is at the forefront of leading action to address AMR. In January this year, over 100 pharmaceutical, biotech and diagnostics companies and 13 associations signed a joint declaration which set out three key commitments. First, to reduce the development of drug resistance; second, to increase investment in R&D to meet global public health needs; and third, to improve access to high-quality antibiotics and vaccines for all.

Antibiotic stewardship must be an integral part of any solution to slow down the development of resistance. We believe that the improvement in conservation of antibiotics can only happen if it is part of comprehensive stewardship programs and activities that enhance health system capability to use antibiotics appropriately.

IFPMA supports ongoing discussions on mechanisms to ensure affordable access to new and existing antibiotics. However addressing AMR to the fullest requires comprehensive efforts to improve sanitation, hygiene, vaccination rates, infection control, education, and stewardship. Access to effective antibiotics is only a part of the picture; it should not dispense countries from having effective infection control strategies and strong health care systems.

When it comes to R&D there is no “one-size-fits-all” solution, and we recommend supporting a wide range of mechanisms to allow for a wide range of collaborative initiatives. Ensuring fair reward for the development of new antibiotics is important to ensure treatments are available sustainably to address the health challenges of the future. Rethinking the way we fight bacteria is a shared responsibility that belongs to everybody and requires collective action.

About IFPMA

IFPMA represents the innovative pharmaceutical industry at the international level, engaging in official relations with the United Nations and multilateral organizations. Our vision is to ensure that scientific progress translates into the next generation of medicines and vaccines that deliver a healthier future for people everywhere.

To achieve this, we act as a trusted partner, bringing our members' expertise to champion pharmaceutical innovation, drive policy that supports the research, development, and delivery of health technologies, and create sustainable solutions that advance global health.

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