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In a significant development for global health diplomacy, Nigeria has been announced as the host of the 5th Global High-Level Ministerial Conference on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in 2026. This announcement came during the conclusion of the 4th ministerial conference held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, marking a crucial transition in the international effort to combat one of the world’s most pressing health challenges.
The Jeddah Summit: Setting the Stage for Future Action
The 4th Global High-Level Ministerial Conference, hosted by Saudi Arabia from November 15-16, 2024, brought together health ministers, experts, and stakeholders from across the globe. Under the theme “From Declaration to Implementation,” the conference resulted in the groundbreaking Jeddah Commitments, which align with the Political Declaration on AMR adopted at the 79th United Nations General Assembly High-Level Meeting earlier this year.
Saudi Health Minister Fahad Al-Jalajel emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating simply but powerfully, “It’s time to act.” The Jeddah Commitments encompass several crucial areas:
– Strengthened governance mechanisms
– Enhanced surveillance and stewardship
– Capacity building initiatives
– Research and development advancement
– Public awareness through educational programs
Nigeria’s Vision for 2026
Nigeria’s Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, expressed his commitment to building upon Saudi Arabia’s successful framework. “We will learn and build upon your success for the 5th edition in 2026,” Minister Pate declared, emphasizing Nigeria’s openness to welcoming all member states for the upcoming conference.
To ensure continuity and progress, a troika system has been proposed to drive implementation through 2025 and 2026. This mechanism will help maintain momentum in the global fight against AMR until the 5th Ministerial Meeting in Nigeria.
The Growing Threat of AMR
The urgency of addressing AMR cannot be overstated. Recent statistics paint a sobering picture:
– AMR ranks as the third leading cause of mortality worldwide
– Over one million deaths are directly attributed to bacterial AMR
– WHO projects 39 million AMR-related deaths over the next 25 years—equivalent to three deaths every minute
– In Nigeria alone, AMR was linked to more than 64,000 deaths in 2019
Global Commitment and Future Goals
At UNGA79, world leaders set an ambitious target of reducing AMR-related deaths by 10% by 2030. The political declaration, signed by 193 member states, emphasizes a One Health approach—addressing AMR across human, animal, and plant health sectors.
As Nigeria prepares to host the 2026 conference, the global health community watches with anticipation. The country’s leadership role comes at a crucial time when coordinated international action is more important than ever in the fight against antimicrobial resistance.
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This conference transition from Saudi Arabia to Nigeria represents more than just a change in venue—it symbolizes the growing recognition that combating AMR requires truly global participation and leadership. As we move toward 2026, the world’s eyes will be on Nigeria as it takes up this crucial mantle in the fight against one of healthcare’s most pressing challenges.
