Jane Ruth Aceng, the Minister of Health, emphasized the importance of advancing research and innovation, particularly through investment in new diagnostic technologies, as a fundamental strategy in the fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in developing countries.
Aceng noted that advanced research and innovation are crucial for the accurate and rapid identification of resistant pathogens, which is essential for guiding treatment and improving patient outcomes.
She made these remarks during a breakfast meeting on “The Future of Antimicrobial Resistance Response in Developing Countries,” held on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, USA on Tuesday.
Aceng was joined by global health leaders, including Dr. Viviana Munoz of the South Centre, Prof. Anthony So of Johns Hopkins University, and ministers of health from countries like the Philippines.
In her address, she stressed the importance of building and sharing capacity by equipping countries with the necessary tools, skills, and human resources, while fostering knowledge exchange for a unified global response to AMR.
“Enhancing international collaboration will allow us to leverage collective expertise and resources, facilitating a more effective global response to AMR,” said Aceng, underscoring the need for stronger global partnerships.
AMR is one of the most urgent global health challenges, particularly in developing nations like Uganda, where its impact is felt deeply within healthcare systems, economies, and communities.
The meeting, co-hosted by the South Centre and the Permanent Mission of Uganda to the United Nations, provided an opportunity for participants to exchange insights, propose solutions, and commit to collective action in overcoming AMR, with the goal of ensuring that antimicrobial treatments remain effective and accessible for all.
AMR occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites evolve to resist the effects of medications, making infections harder to treat, leading to increased illness and deaths.
In her remarks, Dr. Daina Atwiine, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, emphasized that since antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has become a global health concern, it must be treated as a serious issue at the national level. “If we can address AMR at the country level by developing smart national work plans and activities, we can change the situation,” she noted.
Atwiine also stressed that research and innovation should not be left solely to pharmaceutical companies. Other stakeholders, such as academic institutions, should also be involved, as their field data can provide valuable insights for experts to guide their efforts.
Dr. Susan Nabadda, Uganda’s Commissioner for Laboratory Services, underscored the importance of countries prioritizing and funding diagnostics.
She also emphasized the need for strong diagnostic capacities with short turnaround times to support clinical decisions and accurate prescriptions.
On September 26, the second High-Level Meeting on Antimicrobial Resistance will take place during the UNGA high-level week. This meeting, the primary health-focused event of the week, will aim to address the growing threat of AMR. Health experts warn that without decisive action, such as the measures outlined in the draft political declaration for the meeting, AMR will continue to cause widespread suffering, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, expected to speak at the high-level meeting, cautioned that AMR threatens a century of medical progress and could take us back to a pre-antibiotic era, where treatable infections become fatal.
“This is a threat to all countries, regardless of income level, and a strong, accelerated, and well-coordinated global response is urgently needed,” he stated.
