Both the G7 and G20 Health Ministers have released declarations that commit to addressing the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and that explicitly express support for the work of ICARS. ICARS welcomes these acknowledgments and remains determined to play a role in implementing these important commitments by advocating for context-specific, country-led interventions in low- and middle-income countries, and supporting the co-development, testing, and scale-up of sustainable AMR solutions.
G7
On 10-11 October 2024, G7 Health Ministers met in Italy to discuss global challenges, including interconnected security, demographic, socio-economic and political issues, all of which are exacerbated by climate change. The meeting marked the adoption of a joint declaration, which amongst other themes, emphasised how the health of humans, animals, plants and ecosystems are interconnected and supported the implementation of a One Health Approach. In a section focused on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) the declaration explicitly outlines support for the work of ICARS, as well as highlighting the role of infection, prevention and control (IPC) measures, vaccination programmes and WASH initiatives in reducing the burden of infectious diseases.
“75. We support enhancing fair and equitable access to health services and safe, effective, quality-assured and affordable vaccines, diagnostics, treatments including appropriate antimicrobials in low-resource settings and promote their prudent use following guidance from WHO’s AWaRe (Access, Watch, Reserve) antibiotic book, WHO Policy Guidance on Integrated Antimicrobial Stewardship Activities, and nationally or regionally relevant adapted guidance. We also support the work of SECURE the Antibiotic Facility, the International Centre for Antimicrobial Resistance Solutions (ICARS), the Antimicrobial Resistance Multi-Partner Trust Fund.”
G20
On 31 October 2024, following their meeting in Rio de Janeiro, the G20 Health Working Group approved the G20 Ministerial Declaration on Climate Change, Health, Equity, and One Health.
The document reflects the commitment of member countries to strengthen international cooperation in health and covers key themes such as the importance of resilient health systems, interdependence in global health, and the need to address long-standing inequalities that affect population health.
In a section on One Health and AMR, the declaration states:
“34. We will foster a One Health approach to international collaboration to monitor AMR and antimicrobial consumption through WHO’s Global Antimicrobial Resistance and Use Surveillance System, WOAH´s ANImal antiMIcrobial USE (ANIMUSE) global database, FAO´s Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring (InFARM) system. We continue to support initiatives such as the Global AMR R&D Hub, CARB-X, GARDP and ICARS, as well as regional organizations that guide research, development and strategies to accelerate new AMR health technologies, alternatives to the use of antimicrobials, promote equitable access, global stewardship, and maximize public investment returns.”
