The Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi) welcomes the commitment made by world leaders today at the United Nations (UN) General Assembly to address one of the world’s most pressing public health issues, antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

In May 2016, DNDi and the World Health Organization (WHO) launched the Global Antibiotic R&D Partnership (GARDP) to develop new and affordable antibiotic treatments, including by “delinking” the cost of R&D on AMR from prices and sales.

Today’s UN declaration is another encouraging sign that governments have elevated the debate on biomedical innovation and access to medicines, diagnostics and vaccines to the highest political levels.

Response from the Director of the GARD Partnership, Dr Manica Balasegaram:

“Today’s Political Declaration is a strong first step. It is important to note, as the Declaration does, that large numbers of people today are dying from lack of access to health services, appropriate diagnosis, and antibiotics. But we desperately need new treatments that will address resistance since the pipeline is dry.

The Declaration is a strong acknowledgement from governments that ‘business as usual’ is not enough to stimulate innovation for AMR. Governments must now mobilize new funding for AMR innovation and ensure that there are critical safeguards in place so that there is a public return on public investment.

As called for in today’s Declaration, the WHO can now proceed with developing a Global Development and Stewardship Framework to support the development and appropriate use of new and existing antibiotics and other health tools. The urgent issue now is to translate this political momentum into sustainable financing and concrete actions that can start without delay.”

For enquiries: James Arkinstall +41 79 392 9823; Ilan Moss +1 646 266 5216

Spokespeople available.