UNGA79 Side Event: Addressing AMR Challenges Including in Migrant and Refugee Populations

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major global public health threat, driven by the misuse and overuse of antimicrobials in humans, animals, and plants. It affects all regions and income levels, with its impact worsened by poverty and inequality, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. 

The event aims to mobilize international political commitment to combat AMR, with a particular emphasis on at-risk populations, including migrants and refugees. It advocates for equitable healthcare policies, explores the public health threat of AMR, and addresses challenges faced by low- and middle-income countries. 

Key stakeholders, including Member States, UN agencies, non-state actors, and the private sector, will share evidence, best practices, and innovative solutions. The event will foster collaboration among governments, international organizations, and pharmaceutical companies, highlight actionable policy considerations, and promote tailored strategies for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. The discussions aim to establish or enhance public-private partnerships to address the risks and costs associated with antibiotic development and to catalyze concrete commitments from participants to ensure ongoing progress in addressing AMR challenges across all population groups, including refugees and migrants. 

This event is co-sponsored by Brazil, France, Greece, Indonesia, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Nigeria, Oman, Portugal, Qatar, Slovakia, Sweden, United Arab Emirates, IOM, UNHCR. 

Agenda

Moderator: Dr. Cecilia Mundaca Shah, Associate Vice President for Global Health, UN Foundation

Welcome Remarks

• H.E. Dr. Badr Abdelatty, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Arab Republic of Egypt

Keynote Presentations

• H.E. Prof. Dr. Khaled AbdelGhaffar, Deputy Prime Minister for Human Development, Minister of Health and Population, Arab Republic of Egypt
• H.E. Eng. Abdulaziz Al Ramaih, Vice Minister for Planning and Development, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
• Dr. Hanan Balkhy, Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, WHO

Welcome Presentations

• H.E. Prof. Orazio Schillaci, Minister of Health, Italian Republic 
• H.E. Prof. Dr. Ana Paula Martins, Minister of Health, Portuguese Republic  
• H.E. Prof. Dr. Jo Etienne Abela, Minister for Health and Active Ageing, Republic of Malta 
• H.E. Mr. Adonis Georgiadis, Minister of Health, Hellenic Republic
• Dr. Santino Severoni, Director, Health and Migration, WHO

Panel discussion

• H.E. Dr. Ahmed Al Mandhari, Undersecretary of Planning and Health Organization, Ministry of Health, Oman 
• Dr. Lucia Rizka Andalucia, Director General for Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices, Ministry of Health, Indonesia
• Dr. Malin Grape, Ambassador on Antimicrobial Resistance, Sweden
• Mr. Antoine Saint-Denis, Director for European and International Affairs in Social Ministries, Ministry of Health and Solidarity, France
• Prof. Ivan Solovic, Deputy Director & Head doctor of the National Institute of Tuberculosis, Lung Diseases and Thoracic Surgery in Vysne Hagy, Slovakia
• Prof. Stephen Obaro, National AMR Taskforce, Nigeria
• Mr. Raouf Mazou, Assistant High Commissioner for Operations, UNHCR
• Dr. Yukiko Nakatani, Assistant Director-General, Access to Medicines and Health Products & Assistant Director-General, Antimicrobial Resistance ad interim, WHO
• Dr. Poonam Dhavan, Director, Migration Health Division, IOM
• Dr. Christos Christou, International President, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)  

Final Reflections

• H.E. Abdulrahman Al Owais, Minister of Health and Prevention, United Arab Emirates
• Dr. Ethel Maciel, Vice Minister of Health and Environmental Surveillance, Ministry of Health, Brazil