Global call to action to address antimicrobial resistance

The WHO Global Call to Action to Address AMR (October 2025) underscores antimicrobial resistance (AMR) as one of the world’s most pressing health threats, warning that by 2050, drug-resistant infections could cause 39 million deaths annually and cost up to USD 412 billion. While 178 countries have developed National AMR Action Plans and more than 100 now report data through the Global Antimicrobial Resistance and Use Surveillance System (GLASS), major gaps remain in financing, implementation, surveillance, and governance. The Call to Action outlines four priorities for the health sector: prevention through WASH, IPC, vaccination, and environmental stewardship; universal access to diagnostics, treatment, and essential services; strategic information and innovation through improved data, R&D, and monitoring; and governance and financing to ensure accountability and sustained investment. WHO sets 2030 targets including a 10% reduction in AMR-related deaths, 60% of countries with costed and funded plans, 80% with diagnostic capacity for bacterial and fungal pathogens, and 70% of antibiotic consumption from the “Access” category. The document calls for coordinated global action and an estimated USD 85 million per biennium to strengthen implementation, accelerate innovation, and ensure equitable access to effective antimicrobials worldwide.