WHA 68, Item 15.1 Antimicrobial resistance
Item 15.1 Antimicrobial resistance
Delivered by Nina Grundmann, Policy Analyst, Global Health Policy, IFPMA
Thank you for the opportunity to contribute to this important discussion. IFPMA represents leading research-based pharmaceutical companies as well as national and regional industry associations across the world.
IFPMA commends WHO for its efforts to generate a Global Action Plan to combat Anti-Microbial Resistance and its efforts to increase political awareness, engagement and leadership on AMR.
We believe that a globally coordinated policy approach is urgently needed to address each of the challenges contributing to resistance. To this end, we support the implementation of consistent regulations to ensure the responsible use of antibiotics and their good quality, efficacy and safety.
Our members are currently working on 34 antibacterial compounds, 8 of which are undergoing the final stages of development. However, as we have heard many times during this week, developing new antibiotics is difficult, this is due to scientific, regulatory and economic challenges.
The slowdown of new antibiotic approvals is only the tip of the iceberg: actions are needed, from basic research to regulatory requirements and clinical use. A robust pipeline of new antibiotics will not be sufficient to address AMR without ensuring increased awareness among the public and appropriate prescribing and use. Antibiotics hold a high societal value that should be rewarded via a combination of incentives to sustainably foster innovation.
We will continue to support high quality patient care by strengthening ethical collaboration, transparency and accountability to ensure preservation and safe access to antibiotics. We are committed to working with partners to improve stewardship and to ensure patients have access to the right treatment at the right moment.
Rethinking the way we fight bacteria is a shared responsibility that belongs to everybody. We support the Global Action Plan and stand ready to provide expertise and to help design solutions to effectively combat this threat to public health.
About IFPMA
The International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations (IFPMA) represents over 90 innovative pharmaceutical companies and associations around the world. Our industry’s almost three million employees discover, develop, and deliver medicines and vaccines that advance global health. Based in Geneva, IFPMA has official relations with the United Nations and contributes industry expertise to help the global health community improve the lives of people everywhere. For more information, visit ifpma.org.
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