The Federal Government of Nigeria has inaugurated a high-level Inter-Ministerial Advisory Committee to coordinate preparations for the 5th Global High-Level Ministerial Conference on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), scheduled to take place in Abuja from June 29 to 30, 2026.
The event, which will be hosted for the first time on the African continent, underscores Nigeria’s growing influence in global health governance and its commitment to tackling the escalating threat of antimicrobial resistance.
The Advisory Committee is jointly convened by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, and the Federal Ministry of Environment under Nigeria’s “One Health” approach an integrated framework that recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.
At the inaugural meeting in Abuja, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, described the conference as a pivotal opportunity for Africa to take a leadership role in a global health crisis.
“This inaugural meeting of the Ministerial Advisory Committee is a significant milestone,” Pate said. “We are adopting a whole-of-government approach to address AMR, which affects not only public health but also food systems, economic development, and environmental sustainability.”
Pate noted the significance of Nigeria’s hosting role, following past editions in Saudi Arabia, the Netherlands, and Oman.
“This is the first time Africa will host this global conference. It’s a responsibility we carry on behalf of the continent and a chance to amplify African perspectives in the international AMR discourse,” he added.
To drive national and international engagement, the Federal Government has appointed prominent Nigerians to the Advisory Committee, including former Minister of Health, Professor Onyebuchi Chukwu, a current member of the Global Leaders Group on AMR; and Dr. Ayoade Alakija, an international development expert and WHO Special Envoy, who was named Nigeria’s Ministerial Global Envoy on AMR.
“This is a collective effort,” Pate noted. “We are learning from the experiences of previous host countries and working with partners around the world to deliver a world-class event.”
Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, also emphasized the international spotlight on Nigeria’s preparations:
“The world is watching. At every global forum we attend, Nigeria’s hosting of the AMR conference is on the agenda. We must deliver a technically and politically sound event.”
In a presentation titled “Antimicrobial Resistance: A Growing National Threat,” Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Dr. Jide Idris, highlighted the far-reaching implications of AMR.
“AMR is not just a health issue—it’s a development, economic, and national security issue. The 2026 conference gives Nigeria a rare opportunity to showcase its innovation, leadership, and commitment to solving global challenges.”
Globally, over 2.5 million deaths are associated with antimicrobial resistance annually, with 65,000 of those occurring in Nigeria. The economic impact is equally severe, with AMR responsible for an estimated 7% loss in Nigeria’s GDP and an 11% reduction in livestock productivity.
Preparations for the 2026 conference are expected to continue in close collaboration with previous host countries and global health partners, as Nigeria works to set a new standard for international dialogue and action on AMR.
