Daily Update: Seventy-Eighth World Health Assembly – May 27, 2025

World Health Assembly Approves Update to the Global Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance

The recent approval by the Seventy-eighth World Health Assembly (WHA78) to renew the Global Action Plan (GAP) on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) signals a significant stride in tackling one of the world’s most pressing health challenges. As the threat of AMR looms larger, the updated framework set for discussion at WHA79 in 2026 promises a robust approach to combatting this critical issue.

The Burden of Antimicrobial Resistance

Bacterial AMR has emerged as a grave global health crisis, with a staggering 4.71 million deaths attributed to it as of 2021. Data from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) highlight the devastating impact of AMR, showcasing an urgent need for policy reform and targeted action. The updated GAP aims to propel efforts towards achieving the ambitious targets outlined in the political declaration of the United Nations General Assembly High-Level Meeting on AMR in 2024, which includes a goal of reducing global deaths associated with bacterial AMR by 10% by 2030.

Promoting National Action Against AMR

Since the adoption of the initial Global Action Plan in 2015, more than 170 countries have mobilized to formulate multi-sectoral national action plans addressing AMR. The forthcoming GAP update is designed to provide timely guidance that will facilitate countries in accelerating their implementation efforts. It will advocate for a One Health approach, which integrates health considerations for people, animals, and ecosystems, fostering a sustainable and cohesive strategy to combat AMR.

Collaborative Development

The World Health Organization (WHO), in collaboration with the Quadripartite organizations—which include the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH)—will spearhead the development of this updated plan. The consultative process will involve Member States and relevant stakeholders, ensuring a well-rounded and inclusive approach.

Progress in Related Areas

The WHA78 also reviewed ongoing efforts to support countries in preventing infections, enhancing access to high-quality and affordable diagnostics, and ensuring appropriate treatment. The structure aims to strengthen surveillance systems, foster research and innovation, and elevate awareness regarding AMR. A concerted focus on governance and financing is also prioritized, recognizing these elements as pivotal in the overarching strategy against AMR.

Future Priorities

Looking ahead, WHO has set ambitious objectives to assist nations in embedding AMR interventions within health sector planning and financing. They aim to bolster coordination and governance of AMR responses significantly, emphasizing integrative efforts among all stakeholders, particularly the Quadripartite groups.

Intersection with Climate Change Initiatives

Parallel to the discussions on the GAP for AMR, the WHA78 acknowledged the critical role of environmental factors in health dynamics. The Assembly endorsed the draft Global Action Plan on Climate Change and Health for 2025–2028, which underscores the urgency of addressing the health impacts stemming from climate change. This landmark framework aims to strengthen health systems while meeting climate challenges head-on. It creates an opportunity to blend health and climate agendas, ultimately positioning health systems as central players in mitigating climate change and enhancing public health resilience.

Support for Climate Change and Health

The proposed Global Action Plan 2025–2028 provides Member States and stakeholders a foundational structure to create climate-resilient, low-carbon health systems. This initiative emphasizes the need for enhancing surveillance, protecting vulnerable populations, and integrating health into climate policy and financing strategies. Member States have shown strong support for this plan, although ongoing discussions are expected to refine certain principles and language.

Further Resources and Links

For more details and ongoing updates regarding these critical health initiatives, several documents and links can be explored:

• Climate change and health: Draft Global Action Plan on Climate Change and Health A78/4 Add.2.
• Additional documentation regarding the Assembly’s discussions on health priorities can be found here.

This approach not only showcases WHO’s commitment to improving global health outcomes but also highlights the imperative of integrating diverse challenges—like AMR and climate change—into a cohesive health strategy. By working collectively and emphasizing cross-sectoral collaboration, the global health community can equip itself to meet these pressing challenges head-on.