Sun Sep 15 12:41:13 UTC 2024: ## UN Meeting Offers Crucial Chance to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance
**New York, September 15, 2024** – A pivotal UN General Assembly meeting on September 26th could mark a turning point in the global fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a growing threat to human and animal health, food security, and global economies.
Led by Dr. Mathieu Poirier, Assistant Professor of Social Epidemiology at York University, researchers are urging world leaders to adopt a unifying goal for combating AMR, similar to the Paris Climate Accord’s goal of limiting global warming.
“AMR is a complex global challenge that requires coordinated action across governments, industries, and the public,” says Dr. Poirier. “A unifying goal would provide a clear target, build awareness, and mobilize resources to address this critical issue.”
Dr. Poirier, who leads the Global Strategy Lab at York University, highlights the need for a scientific panel on AMR, modeled after the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. This panel would provide policymakers with the latest scientific evidence and tailored policy recommendations to guide equitable and effective actions.
The stakes are high. AMR, caused by bacteria and other microbes becoming resistant to antibiotics and other antimicrobial drugs, contributes to five million deaths annually. Low and middle-income countries are particularly vulnerable due to limited access to quality antimicrobials, a higher burden of AMR, and fewer resources to combat the threat.
The upcoming UNGA meeting presents a unique opportunity to translate research into impactful policy action. However, Dr. Poirier warns against focusing solely on technical guidance. “We need to capture the political imagination of world leaders and the public,” he says. “This means embracing unifying goals that rally support and incentivize action.”
With a unified goal, a robust scientific panel, and a commitment to tackling AMR through a “One Health” approach, the UNGA meeting can become a turning point in the fight against this global health crisis. The time to act is now.
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