Global investment in combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR) remains insufficient despite high-level political commitments, according to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH). The organisation highlights a critical gap between international pledges to address AMR and actual funding allocation across the One Health approach.
AMR Deaths Could Rise Dramatically Without Action
Projected annual deaths from antimicrobial resistance, 2019-2050
deaths
by 2050
without action
03m7m10m2020203020402050
Source: Review on AMR, O’Neill Report 2016 | Georgian Medical Journal News
Political Commitments Lack Financial Backing
The World Organisation for Animal Health emphasises that while the 2024 UN Political Declaration on AMR established ambitious targets, translating these commitments into concrete investment remains a challenge. The organisation notes that sustainable financing mechanisms are essential for implementing national action plans across human, animal, and environmental health sectors.
Current funding gaps particularly affect low- and middle-income countries, where AMR surveillance systems and laboratory capacity remain underdeveloped, according to WOAH.
One Health Approach Requires Coordinated Investment
WOAH stresses that effective AMR response demands coordinated investment across human, animal, and environmental health domains. The organisation advocates for integrated funding mechanisms that support surveillance, research, and capacity building simultaneously across all sectors.
Animal health systems play a crucial role in AMR prevention, requiring investment in veterinary services, diagnostic capacity, and antimicrobial stewardship programmes, according to WOAH.
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Investment Strategies Show Promise
WOAH highlights the importance of regional cooperation in pooling resources for AMR surveillance and response. Cross-border collaboration enables smaller countries to access advanced diagnostic technologies and expertise while sharing surveillance data, the organisation notes. Our Health Policy coverage examines similar regional health initiatives.
Without urgent action and adequate investment, antimicrobial resistance could cause 10 million deaths annually by 2050, with a cumulative economic impact of $100 trillion globally.
— Review on Antimicrobial Resistance, commissioned by UK Government (O’Neill Report, 2016)
Key takeaways
- Global AMR investment remains insufficient despite UN Political Declaration commitments in 2024, according to WOAH
- One Health approach requires coordinated funding across human, animal, and environmental health sectors
- Regional cooperation shows promise for sustainable AMR response, WOAH states
Frequently asked questions
What is the One Health approach to AMR?
The One Health approach recognises that human, animal, and environmental health are interconnected in AMR development and spread. It requires coordinated surveillance, research, and intervention strategies across all three domains to effectively combat resistance.
Why do low-income countries face greater AMR challenges?
According to WOAH, limited laboratory capacity, inadequate surveillance systems, and insufficient regulatory frameworks create conditions where resistant pathogens can emerge and spread more easily.
How can countries improve AMR investment strategies?
WOAH advocates for developing national action plans with dedicated funding, and establishing regional cooperation networks to share resources and expertise.
The challenge of turning AMR commitments into concrete investment will likely define the success of global efforts to combat resistance over the next decade. As WOAH emphasises, sustained political will must be matched by innovative financing mechanisms that recognise AMR as a cross-sectoral threat requiring coordinated response.
