Rethinking Our Response to the Global AMR Crisis: Highlights from the HIEx AMR Event at UNGA79

Introduction

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is one of the most pressing health challenges of our time, threatening to reverse decades of medical progress. On September 27, 2024, during UNGA79, global leaders, health experts, and innovators convened to discuss how innovation can fast-track the response to AMR and translate global commitments into concrete action.

The session, titled "AMR: Rethinking Our Response to Overcome the Crisis," brought together policymakers, scientists, and health innovators to explore how new technologies can support the implementation of the AMR High-Level Meeting (HLM) Political Declaration and tackle the growing AMR crisis.

Key Topics Discussed

Global Commitment and Accountability

One of the key takeaways from the session was the urgent need to move from political declarations to actionable commitments. As one participant noted, “There is a lot of optimism, but we need clear accountability and deliverable action points to truly address AMR." The discussion highlighted the importance of international cooperation, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, which bear the brunt of AMR.

Leveraging Innovation and AI

The session also explored the role of AI and innovation in the AMR response. Experts discussed the potential of AI-driven solutions to improve early detection of resistant infections and help develop more effective treatments. The application of AI in drug design and diagnostics was noted as a promising avenue to stay ahead of emerging resistance trends. However, there is still a long way to go in ensuring these technologies are accessible and affordable for all countries.

Patient Voices and Local Solutions

One particularly insightful aspect of the session was the inclusion of patient voices and the call for local innovation. AMR affects every therapeutic area, and the importance of having locally-driven innovations that address specific needs was emphasized. One speaker shared how, in many regions, labs still lack the basic supplies to carry out susceptibility testing, which hinders the timely identification of resistant infections. There was a strong call for better diagnostic tools and more accessible solutions for under-resourced regions.

Funding Gaps and Innovative Financing

Another major theme was the funding gap in AMR research, development, and implementation. Many participants expressed concerns about the limited investments being made, particularly for vaccines and therapeutics. The need for innovative financing mechanisms, including blended finance and public-private partnerships, was discussed as a solution to scale investments and ensure that critical innovations reach those most in need.

Looking Ahead: Turning Commitments into Action

As the session concluded, participants agreed on the importance of turning global commitments into concrete actions. "We now have a political declaration," one attendee noted, "but it’s up to us to ensure that it translates into real, measurable progress in tackling AMR."

The call to action was clear: global collaboration, investment in local innovation, and the use of cutting-edge technology and AI are essential to overcoming the AMR crisis. As AMR continues to threaten health systems worldwide, events like these are critical for fostering the partnerships necessary to drive progress.