At MSF’s post-operative care hospital in Mosul (Iraq), infection and prevention control (IPC) measures are implemented. One of the pillars of IPC consists in controlling the channels of spread of infection. Here, an MSF staff is pictured burning medical waste. Photograph by Mario Fawaz
Statement |

MSF Statement on Agenda Item 74/13.5 - Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) | Report by the Director-General

Photograph by Mario Fawaz
At MSF’s post-operative care hospital in Mosul (Iraq), infection and prevention control (IPC) measures are implemented. One of the pillars of IPC consists in controlling the channels of spread of infection. Here, an MSF staff is pictured burning medical waste. Photograph by Mario Fawaz

74th World Health Assembly – May 2021
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) Statement on Agenda Item 74/13.5
Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) | Report by the Director-General

In our projects, Médecins Sans Frontières faces serious challenges preventing, diagnosing and treating drug-resistant infections.

Surveillance has proven instrumental in the control of COVID-19. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) remains a blind spot in many areas; a significant increase in international support to improve diagnostic capacity in resource-poor settings is urgently needed to improve stewardship and patient care in real time.

Substantial upfront public research and development (R&D) funding to tackle COVID-19 has transformed neglected coronavirus pipelines into ones with hundreds of candidates. We urge Member States to adopt expedited efforts to stimulate AMR R&D, similar to efforts adopted for COVID-19 therapeutics, diagnostics and vaccines, and commit to expanding sustainable access globally.

A leap in technical and financial investments must follow the establishment of the Global Leaders Group to catalyse implementation of national action plans and support global coordination of R&D and sustainable access efforts, including via product development partnerships, such as the Global Antibiotic R&D Partnership.

To mitigate shortages and access essential antibiotics sustainably, solutions must include diversifying manufacturing capacities, improving supply chain transparency, and establishing international pooled procurement mechanisms to which countries could subscribe. 


Back to MSF at the 74th World Health Assembly (WHA)