The global fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR) took center stage this year during World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW).
UNITE reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to addressing AMR as one of the most urgent global health threats.
Building on the momentum of the Political Declaration of the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) High-Level Meeting on Antimicrobial Resistance, adopted on October 7th, UNITE has continued to lead efforts to strengthen political leadership, advocate for robust policies, and ensure accountability at all levels.
The Political Declaration recognized AMR as an urgent global health challenge and established critical targets, including a 10% reduction in the 4.95 million annual deaths associated with bacterial AMR by 2030. It also emphasized sustainable national financing and set a goal of achieving at least 60% of countries with funded national action plans on AMR by 2030. UNITE is actively working to hold governments accountable to these commitments, urging parliamentarians worldwide to champion AMR policy reforms and safeguard public health.
In the context of WAAW 2024, UNITE’s Global Board, Secretariat, and Members have delivered powerful messages on AMR’s critical impact, underscoring the need for unified action.
UNITE’s Executive Director, Dr. Guilherme Duarte
Dr. Guilherme emphasized the devastating consequences of AMR and the necessity of proactive policymaking. Highlighting the role of parliamentarians in this effort, he stated:
Dr. Guilherme’s message called for stronger regulatory frameworks and international cooperation to curb the silent pandemic of drug-resistant infections.
Through UNITE, we are mobilizing a global network of legislators to drive policy change on AMR, from establishing national action plans to advocating for increased funding for research and innovation.
Hon. Mariam Jashi, UNITE Global Board Member
Mariam brought attention to the intrinsic link between AMR and sepsis, reminding us that deaths attributed to AMR are often deaths caused by sepsis. She advocated for synergized policy solutions to tackle both challenges.
Our message is clear: AMR-related deaths are sepsis-related deaths. We must align AMR and sepsis policies to achieve coherent advocacy and action.
She also celebrated the launch of the 2030 Global Agenda for Sepsis, a milestone in creating a comprehensive strategy for tackling sepsis-related challenges globally.
Hon. Andrea Álvarez Marín, UNITE Member from Costa Rica
Hon. Andrea Álvarez Marín highlighted the real-world implications of AMR, emphasizing its direct impact on quality of life and healthcare costs. Her message focused on the need for both national and international collaboration.
It is crucial that we focus on finding solutions to AMR, both within our countries and through international discussions. This challenge requires urgent and coordinated action.
Senator Juan Luis Castro, UNITE Member from Chile
Senator Juan Luis Castro of Chile addressed the dangers of antibiotic misuse and self-medication, calling for AMR to be a core focus of public policy.
We must make AMR a priority in public policy to prevent the escalating resistance and rising costs that are burdening our populations. This is a challenge we can no longer ignore.
UNITE members’ efforts during WAAW 2024 demonstrate the power of collective advocacy and leadership in the fight against AMR. Parliamentarians have a unique opportunity to champion meaningful policy changes, secure sustainable funding, and hold governments accountable to their commitments.
We urge all UNITE members and partners to join this critical effort. Let us work together to ensure public health remains a priority for generations to come.
