Model UN Background Guide

Committee: World Health Organization (WHO)

Topic: Antimicrobial Resistance

Conference Year: 2025

Topic Background

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) refers to the ability of microorganisms—such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites—to resist the effects of medications that once effectively treated infections. This phenomenon undermines decades of medical progress, threatening the efficacy of antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, and antiparasitic drugs. AMR has emerged as a critical global health challenge due to the overuse and misuse of antimicrobials in human medicine, agriculture, and animal husbandry, as well as insufficient infection prevention and control measures.

The historical roots of AMR trace back to the discovery of penicillin in the early 20th century and the subsequent proliferation of antibiotics. Resistance was noted soon after antibiotics began widespread use, but it was often considered a manageable problem. However, in recent decades, the rise of multidrug-resistant organisms—such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), multidrug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae—has escalated the threat. The WHO estimates that AMR could cause 10 million deaths annually by 2050 if left unaddressed, surpassing cancer as a leading cause of death.

AMR’s inclusion on the WHO agenda reflects growing scientific consensus and political urgency. The COVID-19 pandemic also highlighted vulnerabilities in global health systems, including disruptions to antimicrobial stewardship and increased antibiotic use, exacerbating resistance trends. In 2025, the WHO continues to emphasize AMR as a priority due to its cross-sectoral impact on health security, economic stability, and sustainable development. Addressing AMR requires coordinated multisectoral strategies that integrate human health, animal health, agriculture, and environmental considerations, often referred to as the “One Health” approach.

Key Actors

States

• European Union (EU) Member States: The EU has been proactive in AMR policy, investing in surveillance, research, and regulation of antibiotic use. Countries like the Netherlands and Sweden are recognized for stringent antimicrobial stewardship programs.
• United States: The U.S. plays a major role in funding AMR research and global health initiatives, with agencies like the CDC leading domestic efforts. However, debates over antibiotic use in agriculture persist.
• India and China: Both are significant due to their large populations, high antibiotic consumption, and roles as major producers of generic antimicrobials. India faces challenges with over-the-counter antibiotic sales and counterfeit drugs.
• African Union (AU) Member States: Many African countries confront limited access to quality antimicrobials, weak regulatory frameworks, and high infectious disease burdens, complicating AMR management.
• Brazil and Argentina: Key actors in Latin America, these countries balance agricultural antibiotic use with public health priorities.

International Organizations

• World Health Organization (WHO): The leading UN agency coordinating global AMR surveillance, policy guidance, and capacity building.
• Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO): Addresses AMR in food production and animal health sectors.
• World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH, formerly OIE): Sets standards for antimicrobial use in animals and monitors resistance patterns.
• Global Antibiotic Research and Development Partnership (GARDP): Focuses on developing new antimicrobial treatments.
• The Global Fund and Gavi: Indirectly involved by supporting health system strengthening and vaccination programs that reduce infectious disease burden.

Bloc Positions

1. High-Income Countries (HICs)

Typically led by EU states, the U.S., Canada, Japan, and Australia, this bloc emphasizes strict antimicrobial stewardship, innovation in drug development, and global surveillance. They advocate for robust regulatory frameworks and funding for research but may resist binding international regulations that could impact pharmaceutical markets or agricultural sectors.

2. Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs)

Including many African, South Asian, and Latin American states, LMICs focus on increasing access to essential antimicrobials, improving healthcare infrastructure, and combating counterfeit medicines. They often highlight the need for financial and technical assistance to implement AMR strategies and may stress the importance of balancing access with stewardship.

3. Agricultural and Livestock-Dependent States

Countries with large agricultural sectors, such as Brazil, Argentina, and some Asian states, prioritize the sustainable use of antimicrobials in animal husbandry. They seek to avoid overly restrictive measures that could harm food production and rural livelihoods, advocating for science-based guidelines and support for alternatives to antibiotics in farming.

4. Emerging Economies and Pharmaceutical Producers

India and China represent this bloc, focusing on balancing the role as global producers and consumers of antimicrobials. They emphasize the need for capacity building, combating counterfeit drugs, and responsible manufacturing practices, while also seeking recognition of their economic interests in the pharmaceutical sector.

Past UN Action

• WHO Global Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (2015): Established a framework with five strategic objectives, including improving awareness, strengthening surveillance, reducing infection incidence, optimizing antimicrobial use, and promoting investment in new medicines.
• United Nations General Assembly Political Declaration on AMR (2016): The first high-level meeting on AMR, recognizing it as a global health and development threat requiring multisectoral action.
• World Health Assembly Resolutions: WHA68.7 (2015) endorsed the Global Action Plan; subsequent resolutions have focused on surveillance, stewardship, and One Health approaches.
• Codex Alimentarius Commission Guidelines: Developed standards on antimicrobial use in food-producing animals, jointly supported by WHO and FAO.
• Global Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance System (GLASS): Launched by WHO to standardize data collection and reporting globally.

Questions a Resolution Should Answer

1. How can WHO member states strengthen national surveillance systems to provide reliable, comparable AMR data?
2. What measures should be implemented to promote rational use of antimicrobials in human health and veterinary sectors?
3. How can international cooperation be enhanced to support research and development of new antimicrobial agents and diagnostics?
4. What strategies can improve access to quality-assured antimicrobials in low-resource settings without exacerbating resistance?
5. How should the One Health approach be operationalized to ensure coordination across human, animal, and environmental health sectors?
6. What role should WHO play in regulating antimicrobial use in agriculture and food production globally?
7. How can capacity-building and funding mechanisms be structured to support LMICs in combating AMR effectively?

Further Reading

• UN Documents and Reports: Official WHO publications including the Global Action Plan on AMR, World Health Assembly resolutions, and GLASS reports provide authoritative policy frameworks and data on antimicrobial resistance trends and responses. These documents are essential for understanding the formal international commitments and technical guidance on AMR.

• Think-Tank and Research Institution Reports: Organizations such as the Wellcome Trust, the Center for Disease Dynamics, Economics & Policy (CDDEP), and the Chatham House produce in-depth analyses on AMR’s economic impact, policy challenges, and innovative solutions. These reports offer critical insights into the effectiveness of current interventions and emerging strategies.

• News Outlets and Media Coverage: Reputable global health and science journalism platforms like The Lancet, Nature News, BBC Health, and Reuters Health regularly cover AMR developments, outbreaks of resistant infections, and governmental responses. These sources help track real-time challenges and successes in combating AMR worldwide.

This background guide aims to equip delegates with a comprehensive understanding of antimicrobial resistance as a pressing global health issue, the diverse interests and positions of key stakeholders, and the framework for crafting effective WHO resolutions in 2025.