First Lady Sajidha Mohamed has called for urgent and collective efforts to combat the rising threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), emphasizing its wide-ranging implications on health, food security, and economies.
Speaking at the launch of the National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (NAP AMR) 2024–2029, the First Lady highlighted the significance of the “One Health” approach adopted in the action plan. This holistic strategy connects human, animal, and environmental health, fostering collaboration across sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, and environmental management to combat AMR effectively.
“Antimicrobial resistance poses significant risks to public health, food safety, and security,” she stated, adding that misuse of antimicrobials in agriculture and aquaculture can introduce resistant bacteria into the food chain, threatening both livelihoods and public health.
The First Lady underscored the economic challenges posed by AMR, stressing that addressing this issue is not just a health priority but also an economic imperative. She called for enhanced collaboration among stakeholders to share resources, drive innovation, and implement sustainable practices to mitigate AMR’s impact.
The newly launched five-year action plan builds on earlier initiatives and aligns with the World Health Organization’s Global Action Plan. It focuses on bolstering governance, improving regulatory frameworks, enhancing accountability, and addressing gaps in monitoring and response systems.
“The resilience of our nation depends on integrated efforts across all sectors,” she said, reiterating the importance of tackling AMR to safeguard public health, protect food systems, and ensure sustainable development.
The NAP AMR 2024–2029 is set to play a pivotal role in strengthening the country’s response to this global health challenge while fostering cross-sector cooperation to create a healthier, more sustainable future.
