EB158 - EU statement - Item 14 - Draft updated global action plan on antimicrobial resistance
WHO
158th session of the Executive Board
Item 14: Draft updated global action plan on antimicrobial resistance
EU Statement
Chair,
I have the honour of speaking on behalf of the European Union and its 27 Member States.
The candidate countries North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Albania, Ukraine, Republic of Moldova[*] and Georgia as well as Armenia align themselves with this statement.
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) respects no borders. It transcends sectors and disciplines and affects us all. Confronting this threat demands a united and unwavering global commitment – to safeguard the health of humans, animals and the environment. Its impact on public heath, healthcare systems, food security, and economic stability is profound and cannot be neglected.
We therefore welcome the draft updated global action plan on AMR, which aims to accelerate and strengthen both national and global responses to the AMR crisis. We appreciate the thorough consultation process organised by the Quadripartite organisations.
Despite international commitments and a growing global awareness of AMR in recent years, it remains a serious global health threat, reflecting differing capacities across low- middle- and high-income countries. The updated global action plan provides essential guidance for addressing AMR collectively. Member States must now translate this guidance into concrete and sustained action at national, sub-national and local level. Appropriate technical support is essential to transform plans into concrete action, based on Member State’s individual contexts.
Therefore, we welcome that the draft updated global action plan addresses AMR through the operationalization of the ‘One Health’ approach and includes a new objective on “Governance and Accountability”, which strengthens the overall framework. Strong cross-sectoral governance along with measurable, adequately costed and implementable national action plans is essential for effective action. Countries, with support from WHO regional offices and HQ must continue their focus on appropriate, responsible and prudent use of antimicrobials, ensuring adequate access to effective antimicrobials and high standards of infection prevention and control. Effective measures at farm and wildlife levels, at community level, in hospitals and in long-term care facilities remain essential to reducing the emergence and spread of AMR.
On top of taking strong national action, international cooperation remains equally indispensable. Collective responsibility and collaboration between countries, supported by the WHO is crucial. We strongly advocate for the Quadripartite organisations to keep AMR as a key global priority. The 5th Global High-Level Ministerial Conference on AMR in Abuja in June will also be key to take further steps in the fight against AMR,
We can only effectively address AMR through sustained national action, grounded in the One Health approach, reinforced by strong international cooperation and collective responsibility. We therefore support the adoption of the updated global action plan on AMR at the World Health Assembly in May 2026. Thank you chair.
[*] North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, and Albania continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.