Nigeria has been selected to host the 5th Global High-Level Ministerial Conference on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in 2026.
The announcement, made during the 4th edition of the conference held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, highlights Nigeria’s growing role in addressing one of the world’s most pressing health crises. Coordinated by the World Health Organization (WHO) and global health leaders, the meeting will focus on strengthening international efforts to combat the silent but deadly threat posed by antimicrobial resistance.
The Growing Threat of AMR
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites evolve to resist the drugs used to treat infections. This phenomenon significantly complicates efforts to control diseases, increasing the risk of widespread illness, severe conditions, and potentially death. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), AMR is a “silent” yet dangerous problem that affects millions of people worldwide, making it a critical area of focus for global health policy.
The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has acknowledged the gravity of this issue, setting ambitious global targets to curb AMR, including reducing drug-resistant infections, enhancing responsible antimicrobial use, and fostering innovation and research to develop new solutions.
At the 79th UNGA, leaders also endorsed a One Health approach, recognizing that the fight against AMR must involve a holistic approach that integrates human, animal, and environmental health.
The 4th AMR Conference in Jeddah
The 4th High-Level Ministerial Conference on AMR, which took place from November 15 to 16, 2024 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, gathered policymakers, health experts, and global leaders to discuss the urgent need for action. The conference was led by Fahad Al-Jalajel, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Health, and saw extensive discussions on how to accelerate progress in tackling AMR worldwide.
A major highlight of the conference was the approval of the Jeddah Commitments, which set out strategic actions to address AMR. These commitments include:
- Strengthening governance and national policies on AMR.
- Enhancing surveillance and stewardship of antimicrobials.
- Building capacity for better infection prevention and control.
- Increasing investment in research and development for new antimicrobial treatments.
- Promoting public awareness through education and outreach initiatives.
The Jeddah Commitments build on the Political Declaration on AMR, which was adopted at the 79th United Nations General Assembly in September 2024, and will guide global efforts until the next ministerial meeting.
Nigeria’s Commitment to Lead the Charge
Nigeria’s commitment to host the 5th Global High-Level Ministerial Conference in 2026 was confirmed by Muhammad Ali Pate, the country’s Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare.
In a message posted on his X account, Pate expressed gratitude for the leadership shown by Saudi Arabia in addressing AMR and emphasized Nigeria’s readiness to continue the work started in Jeddah.
“We will learn and build upon your success for the 5th edition in 2026. Counting on the Troika process for smooth transition and the quadripartite. Nigeria is open to welcoming all member states in 2026,” Pate wrote.
Pate highlighted the urgency of addressing AMR, referring to it as a “silent but wicked problem” that affects not just individual health, but economies and livelihoods worldwide. He stressed the need for enhanced preventative measures, a One Health approach, and greater access to effective antimicrobials to reduce AMR’s impact on global health.
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