WOAH Members adopt new decade-long global plan to combat antimicrobial resistance

WOAH Members have adopted an updated global action plan on antimicrobial resistance, setting out a coordinated One Health framework for the next decade focused on surveillance, responsible antimicrobial use, prevention, innovation and stronger accountability.

The 183 Members of the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) have adopted the updated Global Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (GAP-AMR) 2026–2036, marking a significant milestone in international efforts to address antimicrobial resistance (AMR) through a coordinated One Health approach. The decision was taken during WOAH’s 93rd General Session, with the updated plan subsequently adopted by World Health Organization (WHO) Member States at the 79th World Health Assembly.

The revised strategy builds on the original 2015 framework and aligns with commitments made in the 2024 United Nations Political Declaration on AMR. It provides a roadmap for the next decade, aiming to support countries in updating and implementing national action plans that address antimicrobial resistance across human, animal, plant and environmental health.

The plan is structured around six strategic objectives, including strengthening awareness, enhancing surveillance systems and laboratory networks, improving infection prevention and control, promoting responsible antimicrobial use, accelerating research and innovation, and reinforcing governance, financing and accountability. These priorities are intended to preserve the effectiveness of antimicrobials while reducing the emergence and spread of resistant pathogens.

WOAH stated that adoption of the updated plan marks the beginning of its implementation phase. Together with its Quadripartite partners, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and WHO, the organisation will support Member States through technical guidance, capacity-building and monitoring activities to advance national and global AMR strategies over the 2026–2036 period.