Global leaders have approved a political declaration at the UN General Assembly’s second High-Level Meeting on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), committing to targets and actions to reduce the associated 4.95 million annual human deaths by 10% by 2030. The declaration called for sustainable financing and US$100 million in catalytic funding, to help achieve a target of at least 60% of countries funding national action plans – including through the AMR Multi-Partner Trust Fund. Acknowledging that AMR is a “complex problem”, the statement recognised the need for a multisectoral response combining human, agricultural, animal, and environmental sector-specific interventions. On human health, it set a target that at least 70% of antibiotics globally should belong to the World Health Organization Access group antibiotics, adding that all countries should have access to basic water, sanitation, hygiene and waste management services. On agriculture and animal health, it committed to meaningfully reducing the quantity of antimicrobials used in agri-food systems by 2030. On the environment, it underscored the need to prevent and address the antimicrobials discharge and pollution, while calling for increased research. Earlier this month, investors representing US$13 trillion in combined assets set out seven asks, led by the Investor Action on AMR (IAAMR) initiative – co-founded by the US$75 trillion-backed FAIRR investor network. Emma Berntman, Senior Engagement Specialist at FAIRR, said: “A timebound commitment to reduce the quantity of antimicrobials used globally in agri-food systems by 2030 is welcome. However, the dilution of the ‘30% reduction’ target touted ahead of the final declaration to a ‘meaningful reduction’ is a missed opportunity – with an estimated 73% of antimicrobials used on livestock rather than people worldwide.” While investor signatories to the September statement may view the declaration as a “positive step forward”, there is a long way to go before all their asks are met. As such, they will “remain mindful of the sustained effort and increased ambition required to protect public health and portfolios from the accelerating AMR crisis,” Berntman added.
