Mr. President, Deputy-Secretary-General of the United Nations, Director General of the World Health Organisation, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

1. I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the Group of 77 and China. This High-Level Meeting on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is both timely and crucial, given the growing challenge AMR poses to global health, particularly in developing countries. In 2019, nearly 5 million deaths were linked to drug-resistant bacterial infections, with 1.27 million of those directly caused by AMR. Without decisive global action, AMR could drastically reduce life expectancy worldwide by 2035.

2. AMR is not only a health issue but also a significant development challenge, undermining progress made in combating diseases like HIV, tuberculosis, hepatitis, Ebola virus and malaria. The rise of drug-resistant bacteria threatens these efforts, leading to increased mortality, healthcare costs, and worsening inequalities, especially in developing countries. Addressing AMR requires global solidarity and cooperation across human, animal health, and environmental sectors.

3. The COVID-19 pandemic has further exposed weaknesses in global health systems, revealing gaps in preparedness and response to health emergencies. These gaps have worsened the challenges of combating AMR, particularly in developing countries. Building strong, resilient, and accessible health systems capable of providing universal health coverage is essential for effective responses to AMR.

4. The Group strongly urges the international community to recognize the damaging effects of unilateral coercive measures on the ability of developing countries to combat AMR. Such measures limit access to antimicrobial medicines and weaken health systems, compounding the difficulties faced by countries in special situations. We call for the elimination of these measures to support the global fight against AMR and ensure no one is left behind.

5. We need a strong commitment in improving Infection & Prevention Control Program at Country level, in addition to the Healthcare associated infections. Such an approach is supported by a strong consensus among stakeholders and based evidence on the effectiveness of these interventions and that shows a high level of return on investment. This event is an opportunity to accelerate political action on AMR with a focus on human health and emphasizes the need to augment current policies and accelerate translation of best practices at the point of care. Governance in the utilization of antimicrobial should be included at a multi-sectoral level.

6. Many developing countries in our Group have demonstrated strong commitment to tackling AMR by aligning national action plans with the WHO Global Action Plan and endorsing the UN Political Declaration on AMR. However, significant challenges remain, particularly in accessing affordable antimicrobials, vaccines, diagnostics, and other health technologies. Financial resources to implement these plans are insufficient. We welcome the target of mobilizing US$100 million through the Antimicrobial Resistance Multi-Partner Trust Fund to ensure that 60 percent of countries have funded action plans by 2030. However, international cooperation and sustainable financing must increase to meet this goal.

7. The economic consequences of AMR are deeply concerning, with the potential to add US$1 trillion in healthcare costs annually by 2050 and cause global GDP losses of up to US$3.4 trillion per year by 2030. Addressing these challenges will require stronger international cooperation, increased financial support, and greater capacity building in research, development, and innovation, particularly in developing countries.

8. AMR control strategies must include improving water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) systems in healthcare settings and communities. Infection prevention, supported by reliable WASH infrastructure, is crucial to reducing the spread of drug-resistant infections. Strengthening regulatory frameworks and promoting appropriate antimicrobial use across all sectors must be prioritized through increased investment in innovative, rapid, and affordable diagnostics.

9. The fight against AMR requires a strong commitment to multilateralism, international cooperation, and global solidarity. The Group of 77 and China believes that overcoming AMR will require concerted action in the following areas:

- Mobilizing sustainable financing and investment for developing countries through innovative mechanisms for long-term AMR initiatives.

- Strengthening governance structures for AMR control using a whole-of-society approach.

- Improving supply chain management and removing trade barriers while fostering collaborative manufacturing of antimicrobials, diagnostics, and vaccines for equitable access.

- Strengthening surveillance systems for AMR and antimicrobial use to support the collection of national data.

- Promoting research and innovation to develop local and regional manufacturing of new diagnostics, antimicrobials, and vaccines.

- Ensuring continued advocacy, capacity building, and public awareness on AMR control.

- Enhancing international cooperation and technology transfer, sharing expertise, and the benefits of scientific progress.

10. In conclusion, we hope this meeting serves as a pivotal moment to reaffirm our global commitment to combating AMR through enhanced cooperation and comprehensive, multisectoral strategies. By the next high-level meeting on AMR in 2029, we hope to celebrate tangible achievements in this critical fight.

Thank you.