Uniting efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance in Malaysia
The British Embassy in Kuala Lumpur in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, successfully hosted a roundtable discussion on Antimicrobial Resistance yesterday (on 29 April 2024).
High Commissioner Ailsa Terry with YB Datuk Seri Dr Haji Dzulkefly Ahmad, Minister of Health and YB Datuk Seri Haji Mohamad Sabu, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security
Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is a critical global health threat in Kuala Lumpur.
The event brought together Malaysian Parliamentarians from the Parliamentary Select Committee on Health, Science and Innovation, key policymakers, health experts, and international leaders to deepen engagement and exchange knowledge on combating AMR. It highlighted the urgency of the growing crisis, which claims approximately 1.27 million lives annually and could escalate to 10 million per year by 2050 if not addressed.
Keynote speakers included YB Datuk Seri Dr Haji Dzulkefly Ahmad, Minister of Health, who detailed Malaysia’s proactive measures and strategies under the Malaysian Action Plan on AMR (MyAP-AMR) 2022-2026, and YB Datuk Seri Haji Mohamad Sabu, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, who discussed the impact of AMR on food security.
An extensive discussion led by Dr Tengku Zetty Maztura Tengku Jamaluddin, National Consultant AMR from the World Health Organization’s Country Office in Malaysia, spotlighted the One Health approach, integrating human, animal, and environmental health strategies to effectively combat AMR.
H.E. Ailsa Terry, the British High Commissioner to Malaysia, in her welcoming remarks, reiterated the importance of international collaboration, stating:
Working with Malaysia on addressing Antimicrobial Resistance is an example of the modern partnership between the UK and Malaysia. This roundtable has marked a significant advancement towards a unified global strategy to tackle AMR, promoting sustainable health practices across all sectors and securing a healthier future for generations to come.
YB Datuk Seri Dr Haji Dzulkefly Ahmad in his keynote address highlighted the pivotal role that Members of Parliament play in addressing this global health threat:
A well-informed Parliament can enact legislation that promote responsible antimicrobial use, research funding, and effective surveillance systems. By pooling resources, expertise and efforts, a comprehensive strategy can be developed to combat AMR and safeguard the effectiveness of antimicrobials for future generations. This collective responsibility transcends human and animal health, agriculture, and the environment.
The UN General Assembly will convene a High-level Meeting on AMR in September 2024 to secure global commitments and reinforce actions against this threat. This roundtable is strategically designed to support the UNGA’s overarching ambitions to confront AMR at a global scale. The meeting seeks to harness international collaboration, mobilise resources, and integrate policies across nations to effectively manage and mitigate the threat posed by AMR.
The event concluded with a networking session, providing a platform for attendees to discuss future collaborations and initiatives.