Opening remarks: Her Excellency Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley of Barbados, Co-Chair of the GLG and

Heads of Government present

Moderated by:  Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Health Christopher Fearne of Malta, Member of the GLG

Format: Panel discussion of leaders on political actions needed to address the global AMR crises.

Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites change over time and no longer respond to medicines, making infections harder to treat and increasing the risk of disease spread, severe illness and death. AMR contributes to almost 5 million deaths annually, most of which are in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). AMR poses serious threats to human, animal, plant and environmental health, food safety and food security.  Its potential to undermine livelihoods puts millions of people at risk of poverty. World Bank estimates that additional 24 million people would be forced to extreme poverty by 2030 with no action on AMR today.

 AMR is also an international trade and economic issue linked sustainable development. As the COVID-19 pandemic has so harshly demonstrated, the world cannot afford another global crisis due to lack of preparedness on AMR. Action on AMR is essential now as part the global health, development, climate, and the pandemic response agenda and under the priorities set out for the 2022 CHOGM theme, Delivering a Common Future: Connecting, Innovating, Transforming.

The Global Leaders Group on Antimicrobial Resistance is comprised of world leaders and experts from across sectors working together to accelerate political action on AMR based on the One Health approach. Its mission is to collaborate globally with governments, agencies, civil society and the private sector to advise on and advocate for political action for the mitigation of drug-resistant infections through responsible and sustainable access to and use of antimicrobials. 

Expected Outcomes of the side event on AMR: The side event is intended to bring attention of AMR to the Heads of State and Government  as well as their delegates of the Commonwealth countries. The following are critical national government actions that will be discussed during the event:

• Develop, strengthen, and implement fully-funded, multisectoral AMR National Action Plans based on a One Health approach and supported by domestic financing and investment cases across all sectors;
• Maintain or strengthen regulations for responsible and sustainable access and use of antimicrobials across the human health, animal health, food, plant, and environmental sectors;
• Make tackling AMR an integral part of plans and programmes addressing pandemic prevention, preparedness and response; universal health coverage; the environment; infection prevention and control; animal welfare; and promotion of sustainable food systems; and
• Support programs, policies and legislation that drive innovation and incentives for research and development of new antimicrobials.

Opening remarks: Her Excellency Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley of Barbados, Co-Chair of the GLG and

Heads of Government present

Moderated by:  Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Health Christopher Fearne of Malta, Member of the GLG

Format: Panel discussion of leaders on political actions needed to address the global AMR crises.

Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites change over time and no longer respond to medicines, making infections harder to treat and increasing the risk of disease spread, severe illness and death. AMR contributes to almost 5 million deaths annually, most of which are in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). AMR poses serious threats to human, animal, plant and environmental health, food safety and food security.  Its potential to undermine livelihoods puts millions of people at risk of poverty. World Bank estimates that additional 24 million people would be forced to extreme poverty by 2030 with no action on AMR today.

 AMR is also an international trade and economic issue linked sustainable development. As the COVID-19 pandemic has so harshly demonstrated, the world cannot afford another global crisis due to lack of preparedness on AMR. Action on AMR is essential now as part the global health, development, climate, and the pandemic response agenda and under the priorities set out for the 2022 CHOGM theme, Delivering a Common Future: Connecting, Innovating, Transforming.

The Global Leaders Group on Antimicrobial Resistance is comprised of world leaders and experts from across sectors working together to accelerate political action on AMR based on the One Health approach. Its mission is to collaborate globally with governments, agencies, civil society and the private sector to advise on and advocate for political action for the mitigation of drug-resistant infections through responsible and sustainable access to and use of antimicrobials. 

Expected Outcomes of the side event on AMR: The side event is intended to bring attention of AMR to the Heads of State and Government  as well as their delegates of the Commonwealth countries. The following are critical national government actions that will be discussed during the event:

• Develop, strengthen, and implement fully-funded, multisectoral AMR National Action Plans based on a One Health approach and supported by domestic financing and investment cases across all sectors;
• Maintain or strengthen regulations for responsible and sustainable access and use of antimicrobials across the human health, animal health, food, plant, and environmental sectors;
• Make tackling AMR an integral part of plans and programmes addressing pandemic prevention, preparedness and response; universal health coverage; the environment; infection prevention and control; animal welfare; and promotion of sustainable food systems; and
• Support programs, policies and legislation that drive innovation and incentives for research and development of new antimicrobials.