As the year ends, it’s time to reflect on the outcomes of the September 2024 UN General Assembly High-Level Meeting on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in New York. While the Political Declaration advanced the agenda, the From People to Leaders: Act on AMR NOW! event highlighted structural inequities in representation, especially for low- and middle-income countries. In response, ReAct Africa and MUSUHUM’s new survey and policy brief call for urgent action to center these countries' voices in the global AMR response.
Click image to download the survey and policy brief (PDF).
Leading up to the High-Level Meeting on AMR in New York, many low- and middle-income countries representatives faced significant barriers:
delayed visa processes,
high travel costs, and
most frustratingly – last-minute denials of access to the meeting, even for those already in New York.
These obstacles were not isolated incidents but part of a broader systemic issue that effectively silences those most affected by AMR.
Against this backdrop, ReAct Africa and Mouvement Universel pour la Survie de l’Humanite’s (MUSUHUM) new survey and policy brief serves as an urgent call to action to address these inequities and ensure that low- and middle-income countries voices are central to the global AMR response.
Insights from the policy brief
The survey and policy brief sheds light on the persistent disparities in global health governance and their impact on the AMR agenda. Despite bearing the brunt of AMR’s health and economic toll, low- and middle-income countries civil society organizations are often sidelined due to financial, logistical, and systemic barriers.
Key findings from the brief:
• Only a small fraction of low- and middle-income countries civil society organizations can afford to participate in global forums, despite being disproportionately affected by AMR.
• Structural barriers like late accreditation and insufficient funding exacerbate the exclusion of low- and middle-income countries voices.
To bridge these gaps, the brief recommends:
• Establishing dedicated funding streams for low- and middle-income countries civil society organizations participation.
• Reforming accreditation and visa processes to ensure timely access.
• Creating capacity-building initiatives to empower low- and middle-income countries civil society organizations to engage effectively.
Dr. Mario Medegan, Secretary General at MUSUHUM, and also one of the key contributors to the global campaign From People to Leaders: Act on AMR Now! leading up to the High-Level Meeting on AMR, also co-author of the policy brief, states:
“True progress in the fight against antimicrobial resistance requires inclusive global dialogues that amplify the voices of all stakeholders, particularly those from the most affected communities.
As long as some voices are left out – whether due to unsuccessful visa procedures, lack of funding, or limited accreditations from host agencies we will continue going in circles, for AMR knows no borders. Inclusion is not just about equity; it is a strategic necessity to craft sustainable solutions that reflect diverse realities and foster global solidarity.”
Listen to Mario Medegan, MUSUHUM, during the From People to Leaders event in context of the the High-Level Meeting on AMR where he also addresses the fact that he was not able to join in person.
Julian Nyamupachitu, Deputy Director, ReAct Africa, co-author of the policy brief, and strong supporter of the From People to Leaders initiative, adds:
Julian Nyamupachitu, ReAct Africa. Photo: Musonda Lamba Millapo, ReAct Africa
“Addressing antimicrobial resistance requires equitable dialogue, yet systemic barriers hinder Global South Civil Society Organizations and other key stakeholders from participating in pivotal meetings, as witnessed in 2024 during the UNGA HLM on AMR and the Fourth Global High-Level Ministerial Conference on AMR.
This exclusion is particularly troubling given that the AMR burden is disproportionately severe in low- and middle-income countries. Challenges such as funding constraints, visa delays, and high travel costs prevented many from contributing to these crucial discussions, despite their vital role in shaping AMR policies. At ReAct Africa, we are committed to amplifying these voices, addressing logistical barriers, and fostering partnerships to ensure no community is left behind in the global fight against AMR.”
