WHO and partners to aim for urgent, high-level action to address global distress of antimicrobial resistance

The World Health Organization (WHO) and its partners urged global leaders to address urgent health challenges and invest in public health during the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA79) in New York, from September 20 to 30, 2024. A key event is the High-Level Meeting on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) on September 26, where leaders discussed the growing threat of AMR, which occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites resist treatments, making infections harder to treat and increasing mortality. Without swift action, AMR is expected to severely impact low- and middle-income countries.

UNGA79 is critical as the world recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic and works to achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Health remains a major focus, with priorities including universal health coverage and access to care. WHO officials also addressed topics such as pandemic preparedness, climate action, and digital health. WHO emphasized the global health impact of climate change, linking rising temperatures and poor air quality to diseases and malnutrition.