Antimicrobial resistance: now is the time to revisit global commitments

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global concern that affects everyone, particularly in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) and vulnerable groups like young children, older adults, and refugees. Effective antimicrobials are crucial for human and animal health and should be viewed as common global goods. The 2024 UN General Assembly high-level meeting on AMR presents an opportunity to revisit global commitments to curb AMR. A shared vision and common goals are essential for counteracting resistance, ensuring reliable access to effective antimicrobials, exercising accountability, and monitoring global progress. Countries commit to set and monitor progress towards national targets adapted to their contexts, aiming to accelerate action on the ground and support priority setting and budgeting at the national level. However, issues must be considered, such as resilient health systems, robust surveillance, and a focus on avertable infections. Improving the responsible use of antibiotics is crucial for slowing AMR emergence, but substantial improvements in prevention and dissemination of resistant bacteria are needed. High-income and upper-middle-income countries need to ensure domestic resource allocations and support for National Action Plans to contain AMR.