Inclusion of antimicrobial resistance in a pandemic agreement: why it matters and what comes next?

The article argues that antimicrobial resistance (AMR) should be explicitly embedded within the new global Pandemic Agreement because it represents a “constant pandemic” with major health and equity impacts, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. It shows that AMR and pandemic preparedness share core systemic challenges—especially in governance, financing, and equity—and therefore require coordinated policy approaches. The authors highlight that current global responses remain fragmented and underfunded, particularly for diagnostics and sustainable antimicrobial access, and propose integrating mechanisms such as subscription-based payment models, pooled procurement, public–private partnerships, and global financing instruments into the agreement. Crucially, they caution that inclusion of AMR must strengthen—not dilute—existing AMR efforts, and emphasize that effective implementation will depend on aligning incentives, improving surveillance, and ensuring equitable access to prevention, diagnostics, and treatment worldwide.