The federal government has postponed the fifth Global High-Level Ministerial Conference on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), earlier scheduled to hold in Abuja from June 28 to June 30.

The announcement is contained in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate.

According to him, the decision followed extensive consultations with key stakeholders and partners involved in the conference preparations.

Mr Pate said a new date for the conference would be communicated in due course after further engagements with relevant stakeholders and development partners.

“The federal government deeply regrets any inconvenience this postponement may cause and appreciates the understanding, support and continued cooperation of all stakeholders,” he said.

The minister expressed appreciation to the Troika, the Global Leaders Group on Antimicrobial Resistance, the Quadripartite Joint Secretariat on AMR, and member states for their support.

He also thanked development partners, international organisations, civil society groups, academia, youth networks, and other stakeholders for their commitment to the successful hosting of the conference.

According to Mr Pate, Nigeria remains honoured to host the important global gathering and is committed to advancing international collaboration against antimicrobial resistance.

He reaffirmed the country’s commitment to collective action through the One Health approach to address the growing global threat posed by antimicrobial resistance.

The minister said preparatory activities for the conference would continue under the supervision of the Local Organising Committee and relevant government agencies.

He added that engagement with partners and stakeholders would also continue to ensure the successful convening of the conference at a later date.

“Antimicrobial resistance remains one of the most significant global health challenges of our time, requiring sustained commitment and coordinated action across countries and sectors,” he said.

Mr Pate also said Nigeria looked forward to welcoming delegates to Abuja for the rescheduled conference and advancing collective global action against antimicrobial resistance.

Antimicrobial resistance occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites no longer respond to medicines, making infections harder to treat and increasing the risk of disease spread, severe illness, and death. 

(NAN)