Nigeria is set to host a landmark global ministerial meeting on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Abuja, marking the first time such a high-level gathering will be held on African soil.
The summit is expected to attract delegates from over 100 countries, including heads of state from nations such as Botswana, Ghana, and Nigeria.
The meeting aims to strengthen international efforts to curb deaths linked to antimicrobial resistance.
Speaking ahead of the event, the Ministerial Global Envoy on AMR, Ayoade Alakija, said the conference would focus on advancing and sustaining global action against AMR. She noted that the gathering, themed “One Health: Advancing Global AMR Commitments through Local Action,” will emphasize translating global pledges into practical country-level interventions.
Also speaking, Jean Pierre Nyemazi warned that antimicrobial resistance poses a significant threat beyond human health, affecting animals, food systems, economies, and the environment. He described AMR as one of the top global health challenges.
The meeting is supported by key international organisations, including the World Health Organization, Food and Agriculture Organization, United Nations Environment Programme, and the World Organisation for Animal Health.
Experts attribute the rise in antimicrobial resistance to the misuse and overuse of medicines such as antibiotics and antivirals across human and animal health sectors, making infections harder to treat.
Chairperson of the Global AMR Media Alliance, Shobha Shukla, stressed the need for responsible use of medications and increased public awareness.
The Abuja meeting will build on previous global commitments, including outcomes from the United Nations General Assembly High-Level Meeting on AMR 2024 and the 4th Ministerial Meeting held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, with a “Troika mechanism” established to ensure continuity.
Meanwhile, the Global AMR Media Alliance has announced the 2026 Global AMR Media Awards, alongside national editions in Nigeria and other countries.
Founder of Art for Health Initiative, Chidera Rosecamille Aneke, pledged financial support for the Nigeria AMR Media Awards, offering cash prizes to promote impactful and innovative storytelling on antimicrobial resistance.
The awards are expected to hold in November.