The AMR Multi-Stakeholder Partnership Platform (MSPP) made its presence felt at two major global governance forums this May: the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA) in Geneva and the 92nd General Session of the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) in Paris.
As global momentum to address antimicrobial resistance (AMR) accelerates following the adoption of the second political declaration on AMR at the 2024 UN General Assembly High-Level Meeting (UNGA HLM) on AMR, the MSPP members mobilized, through their Action Groups, across both events to promote an integrated One Health approach, push for stronger policy commitments and actionable steps.
Strong advocacy for One Health at the World Health Assembly
During WHA78, Member States endorsed a proposal to update the Global Action Plan on AMR (GAP-AMR), aligning it with the targets adopted at the UNGA HLM. Countries such as Bangladesh, Germany, and the EU called for the new GAP to address implementation bottlenecks and neglected areas like environmental contamination and regulatory gaps. Several delegations underscored the need for a more coherent and streamlined response, with AMR and infection prevention and control (IPC) identified as cross-cutting priorities.
The AMR MSPP members—many of whom participated through national delegations or affiliated organizations—supported these efforts by advocating for multisectoral One Health governance, improved access to diagnostics and quality medicines, and greater support for low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
In parallel, the World Health Organization (WHO) has been leading negotiations on a new Pandemic Agreement aimed at enhancing global preparedness and response to future health emergencies. A significant aspect of this agreement is the inclusion of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) as a pandemic prevention priority.
The Quadripartite organizations (the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH)) also had a visible and engaging presence at WHA78 through a dedicated stand with the Quadripartite Joint Secretariat on AMR (QJS-AMR) Team's presence. There, the QJS presented recent progress on key initiatives, including the establishment of the Independent Panel on Evidence for Action against AMR (IPEA), the update of the Global Action Plan, and the progress of the AMR Multi-Stakeholder Partnership Platform. It also promoted the AMR Multi-Partner Trust Fund (AMR MPTF) and technical workstreams on integrated surveillance, regulatory frameworks, awareness-raising, and youth engagement. The stand offered a space for connection, discussions and networking, reinforcing the message that AMR is a challenge we can only solve together.
Despite a tense final day dominated by procedural hurdles related to climate and health resolutions, AMR remained a significant part of the Assembly’s agenda. WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus noted the importance of the adopted technical resolutions and the organization’s expanding scope of work, reflecting a growing global consensus around the urgent need to act on AMR.
Vaccinations and animal welfare and AMR in focus at WOAH
At the WOAH 92nd General Session held in May 2025, vaccination emerged as a pivotal theme in advancing global animal health strategies. Resolution No. 29, titled “Veterinary Vaccines and Vaccination: From Science to Action – Reflections for Change,” underscored the multifaceted benefits of vaccines—not only in preventing and controlling animal diseases but also in enhancing animal welfare, ensuring food security, and mitigating antimicrobial resistance (AMR) within a One Health framework. The resolution highlighted that effective vaccination programs can significantly reduce the reliance on antimicrobials, thereby playing a critical role in combating AMR. However, challenges such as limited access to quality vaccines, especially in low- and middle-income countries, and issues related to vaccine development, registration, and distribution were acknowledged as barriers to optimal vaccine utilization.
This focus on vaccination and the role of preventive strategies resonates with the scope of the Action Group on Animal Welfare and AMR led by a consortium of the AMR MSPP members, which have been advocating for integrated approaches to address AMR. Recognizing the interconnection between animal welfare and AMR, the group proposed a side event at the WOAH General Assembly to emphasize the role of improved animal welfare practices in reducing the need for antimicrobials in farm settings.
Titled “Improving Animal Welfare to Reduce the Need for Antimicrobials in Farming”, the session was held on May 27 in Paris bringing together nearly 50 participants, including WOAH delegates, international experts, and civil society organizations.
Organized in collaboration with the International Coalition for Animal Welfare (ICFAW) and supported by the World Federation for Animals and FOUR PAWS, the event spotlighted how improving animal welfare is a scientifically backed and necessary strategy for reducing antimicrobial use (AMU) and, by extension, AMR.
Representatives from FAO, WOAH, the African Union’s Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR), the United Kingdom, and civil society shared field experiences, policy innovations, and actionable pathways. They emphasized:
- That poor welfare leads to increased AMU due to stress-induced illnesses.
- The role of good husbandry practices—including proper feeding, housing, and handling—in lowering AMU.
- The need for greater investment in animal welfare systems, especially in LMICs, where regulation and veterinary oversight remain weak.
The session echoed the foundational belief: prevention is paramount—and welfare must be understood as a cornerstone of AMR mitigation. It also showcased the unique power of Action Groups within the MSPP to drive multisectoral dialogue, shape comprehensive and actionable solutions, and align stakeholders under the One Health banner. Please find here the summary of the discussions.
Next steps: FAO conference to adopt AMR Resolution
Looking ahead, the next milestone for global AMR governance will be the 44th Session of the FAO Conference, where Member States are expected to adopt a dedicated resolution on AMR developed under the leadership of the Group of Friends of AMR co-chaired by the Governments of Kenya and UK. This resolution will build on the momentum of the UNGA Political Declaration and reinforce the leadership role of the agrifood sector in tackling AMR.
As the work continues, the AMR Multi-Stakeholder Partnership Platform remains a critical vehicle for connecting diverse voices, translating commitments into action, co-creating solutions leveraging cross-sectoral and multidisciplinary expertise and ensuring AMR remains high on the global health and development agenda.