The Fourth Global High-Level Ministerial Conference on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), held in Jeddah on November 15 and 16, 2024, concluded with the announcement of pioneering initiatives under the banner of the "Jeddah Declaration." The declaration paves the way for a coordinated global response to the growing challenge of antimicrobial resistance, which poses a direct threat to public health, economic stability, and sustainable development.

Key New Initiatives:

  1. The One Health AMR Learning Hub:
    Based in Saudi Arabia, this hub aims to train personnel from low- and middle-income countries by transferring knowledge and best practices, with a focus on human health, animal health, agriculture and the environment.
  2. A Regional Center for Improving Access to Antimicrobials:
    Strengthens international cooperation to improve supply chains and ensure the availability of affordable, safe medicines and innovative diagnostics.
  3. A Biotechnology Bridge to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance:
    An initiative to translate research into practical applications by 2030, by strengthening local and international partnerships and investing in relevant innovations.
  4. A Troika System for Country Accountability:
    An innovative mechanism to ensure the continuity of political commitments and monitor progress in combating antimicrobial resistance.
  5. An Independent Evidence Panel:
    To be launched in 2025, providing data- and research-based recommendations to support international efforts to address antimicrobial resistance.

Global Cooperation and a Joint Response

The conference brought together representatives from 57 countries and more than 450 experts from sectors including health, agriculture and the environment, in addition to development banks and financial institutions. Discussions during the meetings focused on strengthening governance, developing supply chains, and encouraging research and innovation.

Message from Saudi Arabia's Health Minister

His Excellency Fahad Al-Jalajel affirmed that antimicrobial resistance poses a threat to public health and economic systems, noting that Jeddah has laid the foundations for strengthening global cooperation to confront this challenge.

Barbados Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley added that the Jeddah Declaration represents a real opportunity to change the current trajectory of antimicrobial resistance and protect future generations from its effects.

Significance of the Declaration

The Jeddah Declaration marks a shift "from declaration to implementation," with participants calling for greater global awareness and concrete steps to save lives and support health systems.