On August 05, 2025, the world gathered for a roundtable on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and health workforce education. This timely meeting, hosted by Dr. Saad Alfuhaid, President of the Arabian Gulf University, was a testament to the global commitment to tackle one of the defining health challenges of our time.
I, along with my distinguished colleagues, am honored to have joined this event and would like to express my sincere gratitude to Dr. Jameela Alsalman, Chair of WHO’s Strategic and Technical Advisory Group on AMR, for her leadership and for bringing us all together.
AMR is a growing concern that demands immediate action. In 2021 alone, over 96,000 deaths in the Eastern Mediterranean Region were attributed to bacterial AMR, with children under five being the most vulnerable. This alarming statistic reminds us of the urgent need to address this global health crisis.
Unfortunately, surveillance systems remain limited in our region, and diagnostic stewardship is still underdeveloped. The lack of access to quality antibiotics, disrupted supply chains, and the widespread practice of over-the-counter sales only add to the problem of inappropriate use of antibiotics.
But there is hope. We have seen signs of meaningful progress in our fight against AMR. The importance of infection prevention and control, vaccination, and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) are now being recognized and acknowledged as vital tools in preventing AMR. Additionally, nearly all Member States have developed national action plans, a clear indication of strong political will to address this issue.
I am also pleased to note that countries in our region are integrating WHO’s AWaRe classification into their essential medicines lists, and the One Health approach is gaining momentum. These developments are vital in our efforts to combat AMR, but we must not forget the crucial role of our health workforce.
We must equip, empower, and support our health workforce to effectively combat AMR. Education and training are our first line of defence in this battle. It is imperative that future health professionals, whether prescribers or not, have a thorough understanding of the science behind antimicrobial drugs, how to prevent infections, engage with communities, and ensure the safe and responsible use of antimicrobials.
To support Member States in this endeavor, WHO has developed a range of tools, including a comprehensive curriculum for health professionals, guidelines for antimicrobial stewardship, and training modules for infection prevention and control.
But we must also acknowledge that tackling AMR is not the responsibility of the health sector alone. It requires a multi-sectoral approach, with active involvement from various stakeholders such as governments, policymakers, civil society, academia, and the private sector.
We must work together to strengthen our health systems, improve surveillance and data collection, promote rational use of antimicrobials, and increase access to quality antibiotics. We must also invest in research and development to develop new antibiotics and alternative treatments.
In conclusion, I would like to reiterate the importance of this roundtable and the urgent need for collective action to combat AMR. We must continue to build on the progress we have made so far and work towards a future where AMR is no longer a threat to our health and well-being. Let us join hands and commit to a world where antibiotics continue to save lives and are used responsibly. Together, we can overcome this challenge and build a healthier and more sustainable future for all.
