Fahad Al-Jalajel, the host country’s health minister, said the resolution provides an important basis for member states and international organizations to take concrete steps to combat antimicrobial resistance.
He noted that the resolution builds on the political declaration adopted on the same topic during the high-level session of the United Nations General Assembly in September 2024.
These commitments indicate the importance of a joint secretariat on AMR, which will include the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the World Health Organization (WHO), the UN Environment Program (UNEP) and the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH).
Additionally, there is a call to establish a new ‘Biotech Bridge’ that will encourage research, development and innovation to find solutions to address the threat of AMR.
The Saudi Minister announced the establishment of AMR ‘One Health’ Hub to improve understanding of this challenge. Additionally, a regional antimicrobial logistics hub will also be created in Saudi Arabia to encourage global collaboration and improve access to antimicrobial resistance diagnosis and treatment.
When antimicrobial drugs cease to have an effect on microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites, antimicrobial resistance occurs. Drug resistance renders antibiotics and other antimicrobial drugs ineffective, makes treatment of infections difficult or impossible, and increases the risk of disease spread, serious illness, disability, and death.
The resolution was passed just ahead of Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week on this huge health and socio-economic crisis. This year, the week’s theme, beginning Monday, November 18, focuses on raising public awareness of this threat, advocating for solutions and encouraging immediate action.
Leave no one behind
Jacqueline Alvarez, head of the UN Environment Programme’s Chemicals and Health Branch, welcomed the passage of the Jeddah Resolutions and called them a successful example of multilateralism.
“The Jeddah Resolution brings together all those who can contribute to action.”
He said the document recognizes that each country’s ability to deal with antimicrobial resistance is different, and places a particular emphasis on supporting developing countries.
“We cannot leave anyone behind, which means we must ensure that everyone moves forward together and that the gap between countries does not deepen.”
The UNEP official also called for an increase in the level of financial resources, and said that opportunities need to be created for research work, green and sustainable solutions need to be developed, so that everyone has access to prevention measures.
According to Jacqueline Alvarez, high-level meetings during the Jeddah Conference and General Assembly sessions focused on the social and economic aspects of the AMR problem, which have not yet been discussed in detail.