The World Health Organisation (WHO) has called for immediate, high-level action to address the growing global threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), as well as other pressing health challenges, during the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA79) in New York.
The event, taking place from September 20 to 30, 2024, provides a platform for world leaders to address global public health concerns and invest in solutions that will enhance health outcomes worldwide.
A key event at UNGA79 is the Second High-Level Meeting on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), scheduled for September 26, 2024. AMR, which occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites develop resistance to medicines, is a significant threat to global health. Without decisive action, AMR will worsen, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, causing further illness and death. WHO director-general, Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus emphasised the urgency of the issue, stating, “Antimicrobial resistance threatens a century of medical progress and could return us to a pre-antibiotic era where treatable infections could become a death sentence.”
AMR’s impact has far-reaching consequences. Without effective treatments, infections spread more rapidly, leading to longer illnesses, higher medical costs and more deaths. The first UN High-Level Meeting on AMR took place in 2016 and this second meeting is expected to push for stronger, coordinated global action. The final political declaration for the meeting, co-facilitated by Malta and Barbados, outlines key strategies to combat AMR, focusing on prevention, surveillance, research and responsible use of antimicrobials.
UNGA79 occurs as the world continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and accelerates efforts toward achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Despite significant progress in recent decades, health-related targets remain off track, with millions still lacking access to essential health services. WHO stresses that the interconnection between health and sustainable development must be prioritised, particularly in light of ongoing humanitarian, social and climate crises.
The Summit of the Future, scheduled for September 22-23, will gather world leaders to discuss strategies for shaping a more sustainable and equitable future. Heads of State are expected to endorse the Pact for the Future, which includes a Global Digital Compact and a Declaration on Future Generations. Health priorities, such as access to services and universal health coverage (UHC), are key aspects of the discussions. Tedros noted, “Strong health systems, equitable access to health services, and robust pandemic preparedness are vital for a safer and healthier world.”
During UNGA79, WHO will participate in a wide range of official and informal health-focused events, addressing critical issues such as digital health, maternal and child health, communicable and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and mental health. The organisation will also advocate for urgent action on climate change, underscoring its impact on global health. Rising temperatures, poor air quality and ecosystem disruptions are contributing to the spread of infectious diseases, respiratory illnesses, and malnutrition, all of which are linked to worsening climate conditions.
As part of its ongoing efforts to secure sustainable financing for global health, WHO is also launching its first Investment Round for 2025 to 2028. Tedros, alongside European Investment Bank president, Nadia Calviño, will hold a live-streamed discussion on September 23, focusing on the importance of investing in primary healthcare, particularly in light of increased shocks from disease outbreaks like mpox. The European Investment Bank and WHO will also co-host a high-level roundtable, spotlighting efforts to boost vaccination and community-based health programmes through the new Health Impact Investment Platform.
On September 24, WHO will host the Third Annual Gathering of Heads of State and Government focused on preventing and controlling NCDs. This gathering aims to catalyse high-level government commitment to tackling NCDs and mental health issues ahead of the 2025 UNGA high-level meeting on NCDs and mental health. NCDs, including heart disease, diabetes and cancer, are responsible for a significant portion of global deaths, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. WHO seeks to bolster global efforts to reduce the burden of NCDs through increased investment, policy reforms and public health initiatives.
Climate Week NYC, which runs from September 22-29, 2024, will bring together world leaders, businesses, and activists to address urgent climate challenges. WHO will ensure that the health argument for climate action is central to these discussions. Climate change poses a severe health risk, with millions already affected by heatwaves, worsening air quality, and disease outbreaks driven by environmental shifts. WHO experts will highlight how climate-related health crises, such as infectious diseases and malnutrition, are on the rise and require immediate, coordinated responses.
In addition to these high-level discussions, WHO continues to support negotiations among Member States for a new global pandemic preparedness convention, designed to strengthen global health security and ensure better responses to future pandemics. WHO’s role is to provide scientific and technical guidance as countries negotiate the terms of this potential international instrument, aimed at enhancing global cooperation in pandemic prevention, preparedness and response.
In summary, UNGA79 presents a critical opportunity for world leaders to address today’s pressing global health issues, including antimicrobial resistance, climate change and pandemic preparedness. WHO’s participation in this high-level event underscores the importance of sustained global investments in health systems, digital health infrastructure and resilient communities, all of which are key to achieving universal health coverage and ensuring global health security. With collaborative efforts from governments, international organisations and private sector partners, there is hope for substantial progress in tackling the complex health challenges that threaten millions of lives worldwide.
