On 18 April 2016 the tripartite, represented by World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General, World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) Director-General, and Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) Deputy Director-General, came together to host a High-Level Dialogue at UN Headquarters between Member States and other stakeholders in preparation for the high-level meeting on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in September 2016.
“The rise of antimicrobial resistance is a global crisis, recognized as one of the greatest threats to health today,” remarked Dr Chan in her statement. Dr Menabde of the WHO office at the UN served as moderator for the panel, which also included the Permanent Representatives of Mexico and Thailand, as well as a representative from the State Department of the United States of America. A number of Member States also delivered statements from the floor, including Brazil, Japan, South Africa, and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. “Addressing AMR is critical to achieving Sustainable Development Goals across the board”, stated Dr Menabde in her introductory remarks, and “fighting it requires a collective and practical response”, which is why the evident intersectoral collaboration between WHO, OIE, and FAO is an important first step.Looking ahead, Member State consultations on the modalities for and possible outcomes of the high-level meeting on AMR in September is scheduled to begin in May 2016. On 7 April 2016, the President of the General Assembly, H.E. Mr Mogens Lykketoft, appointed the Permanent Representative of Mexico, Ambassador Juan Camacho, as facilitator to lead these discussions. WHO Office at the UN will actively monitor and support the consultations.
Watch a recording of the High-Level Dialogue on Antimicrobial Resistance