General News
Nigeria to Host First Africa-Based Global AMR Ministerial Meeting …Over 100 Countries to Convene in Abuja
By Iyojo Ameh
Nigeria is set to host the first Africa-Based Global AMR ministerial meeting with over 100 countries convening in Abuja the nation’s capital and stakeholders pushing for stronger action against drug resistance across human, animal and environmental health.
This is the first time the global gathering will be held on African soil.
The meeting, scheduled for June 28 to 30, 2026, in Abuja, will bring together high level delegations from more than 100 countries, including heads of state from Botswana, Ghana and Nigeria. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to host participants at the opening.
Speaking ahead of the event, Ayoade Alakija, Nigeria’s Ministerial Global Envoy on AMR, described the meeting as a critical moment to advance global commitments through local action under the One Health approach.
Also speaking, Jean Pierre Nyemazi, Director of the Quadripartite Joint Secretariat on AMR, warned that antimicrobial resistance remains a major global health threat, particularly in low and middle income countries.
AMR occurs when microorganisms become resistant to medicines such as antibiotics, antivirals and antifungals, making infections harder or even impossible to treat.
Experts say the crisis is driven largely by misuse and overuse of these drugs across human health, agriculture, and animal systems.
The upcoming meeting is expected to build on commitments made at the 2024 United Nations General Assembly High Level Meeting on AMR, with a focus on accelerating implementation of national action plans across sectors.
Global partners supporting the meeting include the World Health Organization, Food and Agriculture Organization, United Nations Environment Programme and the World Organisation for Animal Health.
Stakeholders say the 2026 meeting will differ from previous editions by involving ministers beyond health, including those responsible for agriculture, environment and finance, reflecting the multi sectoral nature of AMR.
According to Dr Alakija, addressing AMR requires coordinated investment in prevention, surveillance, water and sanitation, alongside stronger governance systems.
She noted that investing in AMR response yields significant returns, estimating that every one dollar invested could generate up to eleven dollars in benefits.
Participants are also expected to review progress toward the global target of reducing AMR related deaths by 10 percent by 2030, a commitment made in 2024.
The meeting will further highlight the importance of equitable access to essential medicines, improved diagnosis, and responsible use of antimicrobials across all sectors.
Organisers emphasised the role of the media in raising awareness, promoting accountability, and shaping public understanding of AMR as a critical development and public health issue.
The Global AMR Media Alliance also used the briefing to announce the 2026 edition of its media awards, aimed at recognising impactful reporting on antimicrobial resistance and amplifying voices of affected communities.
Experts say the Abuja meeting represents a pivotal opportunity to strengthen global coordination and drive sustained action against a growing threat that affects human health, food systems, economies and the environment.
