UN High-Level Meeting on antimicrobial resistance (AMR)

Panel 2: Addressing human health, animal health, agrifood systems and protecting the environment to tackle AMR, through surveillance, capacity building, sustainable resources , financing and investment

Attended by Cecilia Ferreyra, Director, Antimicrobial Resistance Programme
United Nations headquarters, New York, 26 September 2024

Respected chair, co-chair, attendees,

Diagnostics plays a critical role in reducing the burden of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) by supporting one health surveillance efforts and building the data needed to define tailored polices to contain AMR. Without diagnostics we are blind, and unable to define the right strategy to combat AMR at national and global levels.

FIND works with public and private partners to increase access to AMR diagnostics and surveillance in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs). We support early diagnostics innovation and its implementation, including the use of digital solutions to strengthen AMR surveillance.

FIND asks Member States and the global AMR community to consider the following:

• First, no new antibiotics should be accessible without a clear stewardship strategy and a companion diagnostic, to ensure these antibiotics can be used for as long as possible.
• Second, equitable access to fit-for-purpose diagnostics in LMICs must be prioritized. We must invest in developing affordable and easy to use diagnostics adapted to the ongoing challenge of climate change.
• And finally, we cannot forget about the importance of the One Health approach in the management of AMR. Strengthening laboratory capacity for AMR in LMICs is the only solution to tackle AMR in the next few years. We must include a target to increase access to microbiology facilities in the African region, the current 1.3% is a sign of countries left behind in the fight against AMR.