In the wake of the Jeddah conference’s significant commitments, Saudi Arabia‘s Minister of Health, Fahad Al-Jalajel, emphasized that the meeting’s outcomes establish “critical building blocks” for member nations and global organizations to robustly combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR). He noted that these commitments build upon the Political Declaration on AMR, which was adopted during a recent High-Level UN General Assembly in New York, advancing the collective fight against this escalating health crisis.
The newly forged commitments underscore the essential role of the Quadripartite Joint Secretariat on AMR, an alliance that includes the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH). With an understanding of the need for innovation, the commitments also advocate for the establishment of a new ‘biotech bridge’ dedicated to bolstering research and development efforts aimed at addressing the global threat of AMR.
Minister Al-Jalajel unveiled plans to create an AMR ‘One Health’ Learning Hub, along with a regional Antimicrobial Access and Logistics Hub in Saudi Arabia, which are designed to enhance global cooperation and ensure equitable access to crucial antimicrobials and diagnostic tools across nations.
# Minsitry of Health/Saudi Arabia
In an impactful address at the 4th Global High-Level Ministerial Conference on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) held in Jeddah, Fahad Abdulrahman Al-Jalajil affirmed the vital urgency of the situation.
Antimicrobial resistance occurs when pathogens adapt to resist treatments designed to eliminate them, posing a significant threat to public health as it can spread across humans, animals, and the environment, resulting in potentially fatal infections.
Leaving no one behind
Welcoming the newly adopted Jeddah Commitments, Jacqueline Alvarez, head of UNEP’s Chemicals and Health Branch, described the outcome document as a hallmark of successful multilateral efforts. She noted it showcases “the benefits of working jointly among the different sectors,” effectively encouraging collaboration in the global fight against AMR.
She added: “The Jeddah Commitments bring everybody that has a role to play together for action.”
Ms. Alvarez highlighted that the commitments acknowledge the varied capabilities of different nations to tackle antimicrobial resistance, particularly spotlighting the needs of developing countries in fostering their engagement in combating AMR. “We cannot leave anyone behind – meaning that we must ensure that everybody can grow together and not widen the gap among countries,” she explained to UN News.
She stressed the necessity of increasing financial support in innovative ways, “not only in the traditional way, but also by creating opportunities to develop further research, and create green and sustainable solutions, which would allow everyone to feel that they have opportunities while they are protecting themselves.”
The discussions at both the Jeddah conference and the previous General Assembly meeting shed light on the social and economic aspects of the AMR crisis, “which have not been thoroughly discussed yet,” she added, reinforcing the importance of a holistic approach to the issue.
As the event concluded, stakeholders were eager to harness the global political momentum and unite in the ongoing fight against AMR, transitioning seamlessly into the second plenary assembly of the AMR Multi-Stakeholder Partnership Platform, held at the Ritz-Carlton in Jeddah.
This platform, one of three governance structures created by the Quadripartite Joint Secretariat on AMR and sponsored by FAO, aims to unite over 250 members from grassroots levels to global stages in this critical battle.
“A high-level meeting at the General Assembly can really help build momentum and shine a spotlight on a development issue,” she added.
Ms. Motriuc articulated the uniqueness of the Platform, describing it as a “multi-sectoral, multidisciplinary, multilevel and multidimensional” mechanism that takes action rather than just discussing the problem, effectively operating across the One Health framework. Its goal is to “break silos, build bridges, and create an ecosystem of all the actors, dimensions and processes working together.”
Constructed around 13 action groups, the Platform emphasizes a bottom-up approach where a diverse collective of stakeholders shares insights and identifies essential needs. This grassroots feedback mechanism ensures that prioritized actions are aligned with the real-world requirements of addressing AMR.
FAO’s technical lead on antimicrobial resistance, Junxia Song, reported to UN News that numerous recommendations generated by one of the working groups have been integrated into the General Assembly’s Political Declaration.
In today’s discussions, she noted engaging dialogues on the implementation of the Jeddah commitments and the political declaration were key, with a focus on devising tangible solutions and actions to address the crisis at all societal levels.
The surge in attention towards AMR is particularly timely, coinciding with the upcoming World AMR Awareness Week, starting on Monday, 18 November. This year’s theme, Educate. Advocate. Act now, aims to mobilize global commitment and solidarity against this pressing public health challenge.
How do the Jeddah commitments aim to support developing countries in their fight against AMR?
**Interview with Jacqueline Alvarez, Head of UNEP’s Chemicals and Health Branch**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Ms. Alvarez. The recent Jeddah conference showcased significant commitments in combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR). From your perspective, how do these outcomes strengthen international collaboration efforts?
**Jacqueline Alvarez:** Thank you for having me. The Jeddah Commitments are indeed a landmark achievement in our global fight against AMR. They bring together a variety of stakeholders—from governments to international organizations—highlighting the necessity of a united front. It’s clear that to tackle AMR effectively, we must coordinate across different sectors and recognize the unique contributions each can make.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned the importance of inclusivity in this fight. Can you elaborate on how the commitments specifically address the needs of developing countries?
**Jacqueline Alvarez:** Absolutely. The commitments acknowledge that not all nations possess the same resources or capabilities to combat AMR. By ensuring that developing countries are engaged and supported, we can help bridge the existing gaps. This means not leaving anyone behind and finding innovative financial support mechanisms. Collaboration and equitable access to antimicrobials and diagnostic tools are key elements of this approach.
**Interviewer:** There’s a focus on innovation in the commitments, specifically the establishment of a ‘biotech bridge.’ What role does innovation play in addressing AMR?
**Jacqueline Alvarez:** Innovation is crucial. We need to encourage research and the development of sustainable solutions that can be deployed globally. The ‘biotech bridge’ will facilitate this by connecting various research initiatives and funding opportunities. We must also explore green technologies that not only combat AMR but also create sustainable development pathways for all countries.
**Interviewer:** The Jeddah conference also discussed the social and economic impacts of AMR. Why is it important to consider these aspects?
**Jacqueline Alvarez:** It’s important because AMR isn’t just a health issue; it’s deeply intertwined with economic and social dimensions. Understanding these aspects allows us to develop comprehensive solutions. For instance, AMR can lead to longer hospital stays and increased healthcare costs, affecting productivity and economic stability. By addressing these factors holistically, we can forge stronger strategies that benefit health systems and economies alike.
**Interviewer:** what are the next steps for stakeholders now that the Jeddah commitments are in place?
**Jacqueline Alvarez:** The key will be to harness the momentum generated by the conference. Stakeholders must transition seamlessly into implementing these commitments, leveraging platforms like the AMR Multi-Stakeholder Partnership Platform to share knowledge and resources. Continuous engagement and monitoring will be crucial in ensuring that these agreements translate into real-world action against AMR.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Ms. Alvarez, for sharing your insights with us today. It’s clear that collective action and innovative strategies will play pivotal roles in addressing this escalating health crisis.
**Jacqueline Alvarez:** Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this vital issue. Together, we can create a healthier future for all.
