World Health Organization (WHO) launched a Task Force of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) survivors to give a platform for and elevate the voices of those with experience of complications from drug resistant infections. The members of the Task Force serve as champions to shape the AMR global narrative and influence policies that affect AMR. Additionally, they contribute to AMR messaging by giving a ‘human face’ to AMR alongside messages that increase awareness. 

Survivors of AMR infections and their caregivers have unique perspectives on the detection, diagnosis, treatment, and care they did or did not receive. Their ideas and experiences of how patients, health care providers, and communities can better deal with drug-resistant infections are invaluable and will help shape improved patient-centered care. Patient stories humanize a complex, technical health and development challenge. The Task Force is constituted by people who have survived drug-resistant infections themselves or cared for those with serious drug-resistant infections. It has representation from survivors of drug resistant bacterial, tuberculosis, HIV and fungal infections.  

The inaugural meeting of the WHO Task Force of AMR survivors was held on 10^th and 11^th October at the WHO Headquarters in Geneva. The functions of the Task Force are:

• Sharing AMR survivor stories in ways that can reach a global audience, harnessing both formal media and social media channels
• Engaging AMR survivors in WHO events and discussions on AMR
• Raising awareness of AMR and advocating for relevant improvements across clinical, research, development, and policy spheres
• Advocacy for increased funding and donor commitments for the AMR response at all levels
• Developing a framework for patient advocacy and identifying priority areas to guide continuing Task Force activities