Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (17 November 2024) - The 4th Global High-Level Ministerial Conference on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), held on November 15-16, has culminated in the approval of the Jeddah Commitments, which mark a significant step forward in the global fight against antimicrobial resistance, a critical threat to public health, food security, and sustainable development.
Announcing that agreement of the Jeddah Commitments has been reached, Saudi Health Minister, H.E. Fahad AlJalajel, said: “Left unchecked, AMR is a direct threat to public health, economic stability and global security, and it could reverse centuries of health and social progress.
“It is a challenge already impacting countries, economies, and health systems, with lower-and middle-income countries hit hardest.
“Here in Jeddah, we have established the building blocks and agreed critical actions for member states and international bodies to take action against AMR, strengthening our global response to antimicrobial resistance.” The initiatives include:
AMR One Health Learning Hub: The hub, based in Saudi Arabia but working with other entities around the world, including the WHO academy, will focus on capacity building and training in low-and middle-income countries by sharing best practices and evidence-based initiatives and actions. The Hub will support the implementation of National Action Plans (NAPs) with a strong focus on a One Health approach, involving human and animal health, agriculture, and the environment.
A Regional Antimicrobial Access and Logistics Hub: With the purpose of fostering regional and global collaboration to improve procurement the hub aims to address challenges in access to safe, effective, and affordable antimicrobial medicines and diagnostics. The Hub, established out of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, will contribute to global efforts on strengthening supply chains, pooled procurement, strategic stockpiling, supplier guarantee mechanisms, and access to safe and effective antimicrobials and diagnostics.
New AMR Biotech Bridge: The BioTech Bridge aims to accelerate the development of innovative AMR solutions, transforming research into practical applications through pre-clinical and clinical stages by 2030. The Biotech Bridge will boost cross-sector collaboration to develop innovative AMR therapies, products and diagnostics within the Kingdom. The Bridge will develop local and international partnerships, invest in early-stage AMR companies, streamline regulatory processes in line with international standards and make available world-class facilities to support innovative new projects.
New Troika System to Hold Nations Accountable for Progress: To drive momentum and achieve continuity in the political commitments made, a Troika System will be introduced involving the former, present and future presidencies, with the technical support of the Quadripartite organizations, for the Global High-Level Ministerial Conferences on AMR to hold Member States accountable on the commitments and progress made.
Independent panel for evidence on action against antimicrobial resistance
will be established in 2025, following consultation on its composition, mandate and scope.
The ministerial conference brought together ministers from 57 countries, in addition to 450 participants and experts from the health, environment and agriculture sectors, international organizations, multilateral development banks, financial institutions and non-government organizations to address the urgent need for coordinated action against antimicrobial resistance.
The Jeddah Meeting took place over three days including a dedicated day for non-state actors, with sessions focused on strengthened governance, enhanced surveillance and stewardship, capacity building, research and development, and the building of public awareness through educational initiatives – under the banner of the Meeting’s theme: “From Declaration to Implementation.”
Health Minister confirmed that Jeddah would host the largest number of participating countries in the history of this bi-annual meeting. It is an opportunity to strengthen our global response - moving from declaration to implementation.
He said: “The Kingdom's hosting of this conference underscores our commitment to both our society and the global community in addressing this global challenge.”
The ‘'Jeddah Commitments’ endorsed at the Fourth Global High-Level Ministerial Conference on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), 15th -16th November 2024, can be read here.