The Fourth High-Level Global Ministerial Conference on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) concluded with the adoption of the Jeddah Declaration, committing to key measures such as forming a global scientific panel on AMR, launching a Biotech Bridge to drive research and innovation, and creating a learning hub to raise public awareness.
Antimicrobial resistance, often called the “silent killer,” claims 1.14 million lives annually, with experts warning that deaths could surge to 39 million per year by 2050 without swift action.
The conference, which saw participation from a record number of nations, focused on infection prevention, equitable access to antibiotics, and innovation in healthcare solutions. It highlighted the need for global collaboration to preserve the effectiveness of antimicrobials and safeguard public health.
Saudi Health Minister Fahad bin Abdurrahman Al Jalajel called for stronger international cooperation, emphasizing the importance of partnerships to address AMR. Dr. Hanan Balkhy, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, praised Saudi Arabia’s leadership, describing the Kingdom’s efforts as vital in addressing one of the world’s most pressing health threats.
Saudi Arabia introduced initiatives aligned with WHO’s One Health approach, integrating human, animal, agricultural, and environmental health to combat AMR. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus likened AMR’s potential global health impact to climate change, warning of its threat to the effectiveness of critical medicines.
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