Deputy Prime Minister of Malta Chris Fearne chaired a high-level consultation meeting at the United Nations with UN Member States and Observers, on the Political Declaration on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). Malta, through the stewardship of Deputy Prime Minister Fearne, has been at the forefront of the efforts to urgently curb antimicrobial resistance.
Antimicrobial resistance poses a serious threat to public health globally. Over the next decade, due to misuse of antibiotics, antimicrobial resistance will reduce global life expectancy by 1.8 years and cost governments 412 billion dollars in increased healthcare costs.
The aim of the meeting was to provide all UN Member States the opportunity to discuss the key priorities which could feed into the AMR Political Declaration, to be adopted by the United Nations General Assembly.
He called upon global leaders to urgently redress the current response to antimicrobial resistance. Deputy Prime Minister Fearne highlighted how in 10 years’ time 90% of hospital acquired infections will become resistant, meaning that even routine medical interventions may lead to fatalities due to infection. In this context he outlined 5 priorities that he believed where essential to achieve an effective Political Declaration:
- Think Globally, Act Locally – He explained that whilst we need global solutions, effectively addressing AMR threats needed strong National Action plans which address divergent national realities and needs.
- Investment in R&D – Investment in research and development of new antimicrobials is key, however investment must also be linked to access to existing antimicrobials across the globe especially in low- and middle-income countries.
- Set Targets – Targets in the Political Declaration must be clear and measurable, under the direction of an independent panel. We need to move towards actionable outcomes.
- Just Transition – Minister Fearne noted that actions intended to address AMR in a One Health approach will undoubtedly impact the operations of small and medium sized agricultural activities amongst others and therefore the Political Declaration needs to provide for a fair and just transition.
- Consistent Monitoring – We need to see a strong monitoring mechanism, sending a strong signal of our commitment to address this existential threat.
He concluded that whilst we are the first generation to have always had access to antimicrobial medicinals, we have a moral obligation to make sure that we would not be the last.
Earlier in the day Deputy Prime Minister Fearne met with President of the UN General Assembly Dennis Francis, who thanked Malta for its efforts and leadership in furthering the global response to curbing the threats posed by AMR.
Photo (MEES)
