Honourable Dr Frank Anthony, Minister of Health on September 27 participated in the Plenary Segment of the High-Level Meeting on Anti-Microbial Resistance. The meeting is being held as a side event to UNGA 79 in New York City. Dr Anthony during his remarks said anti-microbial resistance is becoming a silent pandemic; one that threatens a country’s collective health, environment, food systems and economic stability of societies.
According to the Minister, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that by 2050, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) could result in up to 10 million deaths per year. This alarming trend indicates that infections are becoming increasingly difficult to treat, routine surgeries are becoming riskier, and our global food systems are facing significant threats. He emphasised that addressing AMR requires unprecedented international cooperation. “We must act in unison to implement national action plans, improve infection prevention and control, ensure appropriate use of antimicrobials, and invest in new medicines, diagnostics, and vaccines”, Dr Anthony said.
The Health Minister highlighted that Guyana has developed a five-year action plan to combat AMR, which serves as both a national roadmap and a contribution to strengthening the Caribbean Community’s response to AMR while enhancing global health security. In his closing statement, Dr Anthony urged governments to utilise this new Political Declaration to collaborate in creating a future where antibiotics remain effective, infections can be treated successfully, and the health and well-being of all our people are safeguarded.
This year’s meeting is being hosted under the theme: Investing in the present and securing our future together: accelerating multisectoral global, regional and national actions to address antimicrobial resistance.”