Abuja, Nigeria – July, 2025 — The Federal Government of Nigeria has inaugurated an Inter-Ministerial Committee to commence preparations for hosting the 2026 Global Conference on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), a milestone event aimed at intensifying global collaboration in tackling one of the most pressing health threats of the 21st century.
The inauguration ceremony, held in Abuja, was chaired by the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, who described the upcoming summit as a significant opportunity for Nigeria to demonstrate leadership in global health security and antimicrobial stewardship.
“This is not just another health conference. It is a platform to mobilize global action, showcase Nigeria’s commitments, and amplify Africa’s voice in shaping the future of antimicrobial resistance response,” Professor Pate said.
The Inter-Ministerial Committee includes representatives from key ministries and agencies such as the Federal Ministry of Environment, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), and development partners. The committee’s mandate is to coordinate planning, logistics, stakeholder engagement, and the technical content of the 2026 conference.
AMR, a phenomenon where bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites evolve to resist the effects of medications, poses a severe global health risk and threatens the effectiveness of essential medicines. It is projected to cause up to 10 million deaths annually by 2050 if left unaddressed.
Speaking on the importance of Nigeria’s hosting role, Director-General of the NCDC, Dr. Jide Idris, stressed that the country’s One Health approach — integrating human, animal, and environmental health responses — would serve as a model for other nations.
“Nigeria has made significant progress in surveillance, stewardship, and public awareness on antimicrobial resistance. This conference offers us a chance to consolidate gains, share innovations, and attract global investments into our health systems,” he added.
The 2026 Global Conference on AMR is expected to draw health ministers, scientists, policy makers, and experts from over 100 countries, making it one of the largest gatherings dedicated to antimicrobial resistance in the world.
Preparatory activities will ramp up over the coming months, with Nigeria aiming to deliver a world-class event that drives impactful dialogue and policy outcomes in the global AMR fight.
