New York, 26 September 2024
Mr. President and Excellencies.
A warm Kamorale, as we say it back home in Micronesia!
Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is a global crisis that threatens to undermine decades of progress in medicine and public health. The rise of resistant pathogens is a threat to global health and security. The COVID-19 pandemic is a stark reminder that no one country can combat this problem alone. We must take collaborative action to address the multifaceted challenges posed by AMR, especially by preventing the misuse and overuse of antimicrobials in all settings.
I am calling on all of us to rise to the challenge. Take bold actions to save our planet from the scourge of AMR.
Antimicrobials and antibiotics should only be used in the right amount, for the right purpose, at the right time, in the right place.
We must ensure that antimicrobials are not used inappropriately in agricultural products and animal feeds.
Many Small Island Developing States (SIDS), including mine, are inundated with commercial products using growth-enhancing substances, a potential gateway to misuse of antimicrobials.
Strengthening regulations to ensure these products do not enter the food supply chain is imperative to controlling the spread of AMR at home and globally.
Therefore, I urge the international community to prevent antimicrobials from entering the food chain systems for both human and animal.
With resolve, we must address AMR not only as a health issue but also as a trade concern.
Mr. President, to conclude, I put forth the following actions:
First, the global community needs to increase investment to mobilize resources for comprehensive AMR research and development.
Second, we need to strengthen surveillance at the global, regional, and national level for real-time detection and identification of disease outbreak, especially with emerging and re-emerging pathogens.
Third, building capacity for human resources, health infrastructure, governance, and regulatory frameworks to manage AMR is critical.
Finally, global partnership for responsible trade of products prone to carrying antimicrobials is necessary.
Thank you.