Nigeria Takes Lead in Global Battle Against Antimicrobial Resistance

Nigeria Takes Lead in Global Battle Against Antimicrobial Resistance

Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR) as preparations intensify for the 5th High-Level Ministerial Conference on Antimicrobial Resistance scheduled to hold in Abuja in December 2026.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate, stated this during a courtesy visit by Switzerland’s Health Minister, Elisabeth Baume-Schneider, where both countries discussed health cooperation and strategies to address the growing global threat of antimicrobial resistance.

Pate said Nigeria has adopted a One Health approach that integrates the health, agriculture, livestock, environment and water sectors to tackle AMR. He noted that Nigeria’s leadership role in the global AMR process is helping to amplify the concerns of low- and middle-income countries while promoting access to quality medicines, stronger primary healthcare, vaccination and local pharmaceutical production.

The minister disclosed that the conference, slated for December 6 to 8 in Abuja, will bring together ministers and global health stakeholders to assess progress, strengthen commitments and develop practical solutions to curb antimicrobial resistance before Nigeria hands over the global presidency of the initiative to Brazil. He added that the event is expected to leave a lasting legacy for Nigeria’s health system and the African continent.