1. Background 

The Global Action Plan on AMR (GAP-AMR) was adopted by the World Health Assembly (WHA) in 2015 and subsequently endorsed by the Governing Bodies of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), and welcomed by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), which together form the Quadripartite. The AMR Political Declaration adopted by the 71^st UN General Assembly (resolution A/RES/71/3) in 2016 affirmed the GAP-AMR and its five strategic objectives as the blueprint for addressing AMR globally and has informed the development of National Action Plans (NAPs). By the end of 2023, 178 countries had developed NAPs based on this framework with 68% implementing their plans, 25% having costed and budgeted NAPs and with Monitoring & Evaluation frameworks. However, so far only 10% of countries have responded that they have made specific financial provisions for implementing their NAPs which highlights the cross-cutting nature of AMR interventions. 

2. Justification for Updating the GAP-AMR 

Over the years, valuable lessons have emerged from implementation of NAPs, alongside critical gaps being identified. Additionally, changes in the global AMR landscape, including strengthened cooperation among Quadripartite organizations and sectoral progress, highlight the need for an updated GAP-AMR.  

The Political Declaration on AMR adopted by the 79^th UN General Assembly High-level Meeting requested the Quadripartite organizations to "in consultation with Member States, to update the Global Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance by 2026 to ensure a robust and inclusive multisectoral response, through a One Health approach, that aligns with current realities to drive greater impact against antimicrobial resistance, and request the Quadripartite to report biennially on progress made towards their specific and joint commitments". 

This underscores the urgent need for timely engagement with and systematic harnessing of contribution from all relevant stakeholders across sectors towards updating the GAP-AMR document. This update presents a unique opportunity to scale up implementation and drive a more action-oriented plan. Focusing on actionable strategies, concrete outcomes, system-strengthening efforts, and specific assigned responsibilities can ensure that the GAP-AMR update not only addresses critical lessons and knowledge gaps but also fosters tangible progress in combating AMR. 

It is envisaged that the update could address critical lessons, knowledge gaps, neglected areas, and new developments. Based on emerging priorities and input from various stakeholders interactions, the following have emerged as preliminary issues for consideration in the GAP-AMR update (please note that this is neither exhaustive nor final, but only reflects initial ideas and areas identified to stimulate discussion and gather further input through the GAP-AMR update consultation process): 

• Accountable global, regional, and national AMR governance and coordination mechanisms. 
• The environmental dimensions of AMR. 
• The role of diagnostics, laboratory capacity, and surveillance systems across sectors. 
• The role of vaccination in AMR prevention. 
• Alternatives to antimicrobial medicines. 
• The need for the GAP-AMR to comprehensively inform sector-specific strategies within a One Health approach. 
• Guidance on specific financing mechanisms, investment, and workforce development for effective implementation, including provisions for the allocation of domestic budgets. 
• Social determinants, access and equity dimensions, including development of concrete strategies. 
• Strengthened accountability and monitoring mechanisms and frameworks at all levels. 
• Engagement with the private sector and other relevant stakeholders.
• Cross-sectoral systems strengthening to build resilient, coordinated, and sustainable AMR prevention and response capacities.
  
  

3. Guiding Principles 

• One Health Approach: Promote coordinated action across sectors and disciplines, recognizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, plant, and environmental health in addressing AMR. 
• Evidence-Based and Impact-Focused:  The updates should be grounded in evidence, good practices, and stakeholder consultations, while ensuring coherence with global resolutions, such as the 79^th UNGA Political Declaration on AMR, and geared towards longer-term impact. 
• Sustainability, Inclusivity, and Equity: Ensure that governance, financing, and workforce strategies support long-term implementation, address systemic disparities, and promote equitable access to AMR related interventions, adaptable to different regional and sectoral contexts. 
• Actionable and Measurable: Consider the need to define clear result chains and SMART indicators (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) indicators to track progress through a robust monitoring and evaluation framework for the GAP-AMR. 
  
  

4. Methodology - Phased Approach for GAP-AMR Update (2024–2027) 

The GAP-AMR update will follow a systematic, evidence-based approach ensuring inclusivity and transparency in collection of technical update information across sectors facilitated by the Quadripartite organizations. This will be followed by iterative consultations with stakeholders and Member States on the draft document until finalization and consideration by Governing Bodies. 

4.1 Landscape Analysis and Evidence Review (January-June 2025):  

Assessment of ongoing AMR response efforts at global, regional, and national levels, incorporating research and surveillance data across sectors as well as lessons from NAPs development, implementation and other interventions.   

4.2 Consultations Process (April-November 2025):  

Structured consultation processes with stakeholders and Member States will be conducted at regional and global levels, ensuring that varying geographical contexts are adequately reflected in the updated GAP-AMR. The process will involve four key components: 

1. Sectoral Technical Consultations (April-September 2025): Inclusive sector-specific technical consultations to be facilitated by the respective Quadripartite organizations to identify priority areas requiring update in the GAP-AMR. 

2. Consultations with Stakeholders (May-October 2025): Through the AMR Multistakeholder Partnership Platform (MSPP), other sector-specific stakeholder mechanisms, and sidelines of high-level global events such as the 78^th World Health Assembly (WHA) and WOAH’s 92nd General Session of the World Assembly of Delegates, stakeholders across sectors — including civil society organizations, academia, private sector, and industry — will be consulted to gather insights on AMR challenges, best practices, and opportunities, with the aim of informing the update of the GAP-AMR and ensuring the broad applicability of its proposed actions.  

3. Open Public Consultations (August-October 2025): To enhance transparency and inclusivity, the draft updated GAP-AMR document will be made available on an online platform for public written feedback.  

4. Consultations with Member States (May-November 2025): Both sector-specific and joint multisectoral consultations will be held with Member States at regional (as applicable) and global levels as applicable to facilitate meaningful engagement across human health, animal health, agri-food, and the environment sectors. This will be conducted with facilitation by the Quadripartite organizations. 
   

4.3 Adoption and Launch (Q1 2026–Q4 2027): 

The updated GAP-AMR will be adopted by the respective governing bodies of the Quadripartite organizations namely: the World Health Assembly (May 2026), WOAH’s General Session of the World Assembly of Delegates (May 2026 TBC), and the FAO Conference (June-July 2026 TBC). The updated GAP-AMR will also be endorsed at the United Nations Environment Assembly (December 2027). The launch of the updated GAP will be done at a time to be determined.  

If you have any question or need clarifications, please contact the Quadripartite Joint Secretariat (QJS) at amr-qjs@who.int