Written by
Ishioma Appiah-Yeboah
A silent but deadly global health threat is advancing at an alarming rate, and experts warn it is already claiming millions of lives each year.
This threat Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) occurs when life-saving medicines stop working, making once-treatable infections harder, and sometimes impossible, to cure.
From routine surgeries to minor infections, the consequences are becoming increasingly severe.
A Growing Global Crisis
Health experts say the rise of AMR is largely driven by the misuse and overuse of medicines such as antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, and antiparasitics across human health, animal farming, and agriculture.
Speaking at a global media briefing, Jean Pierre Nyemazi described AMR as one of the top ten global public health threats, warning that low- and middle-income countries are the hardest hit.
According to him, when medicines lose their effectiveness, even common infections or routine medical procedures can quickly become life-threatening.
Globally, nearly five million deaths have already been linked to drug-resistant infections. There is now a global target to reduce these deaths by at least 10 percent before 2030.
As such , Dr Nyemazi says simple but effective measures including proper hygiene, responsible use of medicines, and improved access to healthcare can significantly slow the spread.
Beyond Health: A Multi-Sectoral Threat
AMR is no longer just a medical issue.
It is now affecting animals, food production systems, agriculture, the environment, and economies making it a complex global crisis that demands urgent and coordinated action.
Chairperson of the Global AMR Media Alliance, Shobha Shukla, warned that widespread misuse of medicines across sectors is accelerating resistance.
She noted that overuse in livestock production, food systems, and environmental contamination is making critical treatments increasingly ineffective.
Shukla also described AMR as an equity issue, stressing that people in low-resource settings face the greatest risks due to weak health systems, limited access to diagnostics, and poor regulation of drug use.
Nigeria Takes Centre Stage
Against this backdrop, Nigeria is set to host the Fifth High-Level Ministerial Meeting on AMR in Abuja from June 28 to 30, 2026.
The high-level gathering is expected to bring together ministers, policymakers, and experts from more than 100 countries.
With the theme “One Health: Advancing Global AMR Commitments through Local Action,” the meeting will convene major international organisations, including the World Health Organization, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, United Nations Environment Programme, and the World Organisation for Animal Health.
Nigeria’s Ministerial Envoy on AMR, Ayoade Alakija, says the meeting will focus on translating global commitments into practical, measurable action.
She emphasised the importance of a “One Health” approach integrating human health, animal health, agriculture, environmental management, and financing to effectively tackle the crisis.
According to her, priorities include accelerating national action plans, strengthening governance frameworks, and securing sustainable funding.
Economic Stakes and the Role of the Media
Despite the scale of the challenge, there is cautious optimism.
Experts estimate that every dollar invested in combating AMR could yield up to eleven times in economic returns a strong case for urgent and sustained investment.
They also highlight the critical role of the media in shaping public understanding, raising awareness, and holding leaders accountable.
Media Takes Action: Global AMR Awards Announced
In a move to strengthen global reporting on AMR, the third edition of the Global AMR Media Awards 2026 has been announced, alongside new national and special categories.
Chairperson of the Nigeria AMR Media Alliance, Ojoma Akor, unveiled Nigeria’s first-ever AMR Media Awards a major step toward boosting local media engagement on the issue.
Across Asia, Kalpana Acharya announced the second Nepal AMR Media Awards, while Lata Mishra confirmed the second India edition.
Also, Ijyaa Singh introduced the inaugural Kerala AMR Media Awards, expanding the initiative’s global reach.
Two special award categories were also unveiled.
AMR survivor and global advocate Vanessa Carter announced the “Put People First” category, aimed at spotlighting media reports that amplify the voices and lived experiences of AMR survivors.
Another global category will recognise outstanding media coverage of the upcoming ministerial meeting in Nigeria.
A Defining Moment
As global attention turns to Abuja, stakeholders say the upcoming meeting represents more than just another international conference.
It is a defining moment in the global fight against antimicrobial resistance.
For millions of people worldwide, the outcome of these efforts could determine access to effective treatment and ultimately, the difference between life and death.