Model UN Background Guide

Committee: World Health Organization (WHO)

Topic: Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)

Conference Year: 2026

Topic Background

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) occurs when microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites evolve to withstand the drugs designed to kill them, rendering standard treatments ineffective. Since the discovery of penicillin in 1928, antimicrobials have revolutionized medicine, enabling successful treatment of infections and facilitating advances in surgery, chemotherapy, and critical care. However, over the past two decades, AMR has emerged as a serious global health threat, undermining decades of medical progress.

Historically, the misuse and overuse of antibiotics in human medicine, agriculture, and animal husbandry have accelerated resistance development. Inadequate infection prevention and control, poor regulation of antimicrobial sales, and insufficient new drug development have compounded the problem. The WHO first raised global alarm about AMR in the early 2000s, culminating in the adoption of the Global Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance in 2015, which called for a multisectoral approach.

AMR is on the agenda in 2026 due to several converging factors: rising rates of resistant infections causing increased morbidity and mortality worldwide; the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on antibiotic use and healthcare systems; stalled progress in new antibiotic development; and the recognition that AMR threatens the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to health, food security, and economic growth. The WHO and member states face urgent pressure to accelerate implementation of national action plans, improve surveillance, and foster international cooperation to contain AMR before it becomes an unmanageable crisis.

Key Actors

States:

• India: One of the largest consumers of antibiotics globally, India faces significant challenges with antibiotic misuse, counterfeit drugs, and high rates of resistant infections. It is a vocal advocate for improving access to quality antimicrobials while strengthening stewardship.
• United States: A leader in biomedical research and pharmaceutical innovation, the U.S. emphasizes surveillance, stewardship, and incentivizing new drug development but has faced criticism for inconsistent regulatory approaches.
• European Union (EU): The EU has implemented comprehensive AMR strategies, including restrictions on antibiotic use in agriculture and robust surveillance networks. It advocates for a One Health approach integrating human, animal, and environmental health.
• South Africa: As a middle-income country with a high burden of infectious diseases, South Africa stresses the need for equitable access to diagnostics and treatments and capacity building in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
• China: With significant antibiotic production and consumption, China has launched national policies to curb misuse and improve regulation but continues to grapple with enforcement challenges.

International Organizations:

• World Health Organization (WHO): The primary UN agency coordinating global AMR efforts, providing technical guidance, and monitoring progress through the Global Antimicrobial Resistance and Use Surveillance System (GLASS).
• Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO): Addresses AMR in agriculture and food systems, promoting prudent antimicrobial use in livestock and fisheries.
• World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH, formerly OIE): Sets standards for antimicrobial use in animals and supports member states in surveillance and regulation.
• The Global Fund and Gavi: While primarily focused on HIV, TB, malaria, and vaccines, these organizations increasingly recognize AMR’s impact on infectious disease control and support related initiatives.
• The Global Antibiotic Research and Development Partnership (GARDP): A public-private partnership focused on developing new treatments for drug-resistant infections.

Bloc Positions

1. Developed Countries (e.g., EU, USA, Japan, Canada):
This bloc generally prioritizes antimicrobial stewardship, stringent regulatory frameworks, and innovation incentives for new drug development. They emphasize surveillance, data sharing, and One Health approaches but often advocate for intellectual property protections to encourage pharmaceutical investment. They support international funding mechanisms but expect recipient countries to build robust national systems.

2. Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) (e.g., India, South Africa, Brazil, Indonesia):
LMICs emphasize the dual challenge of ensuring access to essential antimicrobials while containing misuse. They call for increased financial and technical support from wealthier nations and international organizations to strengthen healthcare infrastructure, surveillance, and regulation. Many highlight the socioeconomic drivers of AMR, such as poverty and informal drug markets. They may resist overly restrictive policies that limit access to affordable medicines.

3. Agricultural and Livestock Exporters (e.g., Brazil, Australia, New Zealand, Argentina):
This bloc is concerned about the impact of AMR-related regulations on agricultural productivity and trade. They often seek balanced approaches that protect animal health and food security while promoting responsible antimicrobial use. They advocate for science-based standards and may resist blanket bans on antibiotic use in livestock without clear evidence.

4. Emerging Economies and Regional Powers (e.g., China, Russia, Turkey):
These countries adopt mixed positions, emphasizing national sovereignty over health policies and gradual implementation of AMR measures. They support global cooperation but prioritize domestic economic interests and public health needs. They may call for increased technology transfer and capacity building.

Past UN Action

• World Health Assembly Resolution WHA68.7 (2015): Adoption of the Global Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance, outlining five strategic objectives including improving awareness, strengthening surveillance, reducing infection incidence, optimizing antimicrobial use, and promoting sustainable investment.
• UN General Assembly Political Declaration on AMR (2016): First high-level meeting on AMR, recognizing it as a global health security threat and calling for multisectoral action.
• World Health Assembly Resolution WHA71.2 (2018): Strengthened WHO’s mandate to coordinate global AMR efforts and requested biennial progress reports.
• Reports by the WHO Global Antimicrobial Resistance and Use Surveillance System (GLASS): Annual publications providing data on AMR trends and antimicrobial consumption worldwide.
• FAO and WOAH standards and guidelines: Including the Codex Alimentarius guidelines on antimicrobial use in food animals and WOAH’s Terrestrial Animal Health Code chapters on AMR.

Questions a Resolution Should Answer

1. How can WHO member states enhance multisectoral coordination and implementation of national action plans on AMR, especially in resource-limited settings?
2. What mechanisms can be established or strengthened to improve global surveillance, data sharing, and transparency on antimicrobial use and resistance patterns?
3. How should international cooperation address the challenges of antimicrobial access versus stewardship, balancing public health needs with preventing misuse?
4. What incentives or funding models can be promoted to stimulate research and development of new antimicrobial agents, diagnostics, and vaccines?
5. How can the One Health approach be operationalized more effectively, integrating human health, animal health, agriculture, and environmental sectors?
6. What regulatory frameworks and best practices should be encouraged to reduce the use of medically important antimicrobials in agriculture without compromising food security?
7. How can capacity building and technology transfer be facilitated to support LMICs in strengthening their health systems and regulatory environments against AMR?

Further Reading

• UN Documents: Includes WHO Global Action Plan on AMR, World Health Assembly resolutions, UN General Assembly political declarations, and GLASS surveillance reports. These provide official policy frameworks, mandates, and data essential for understanding global commitments and progress.

• Think-Tank Reports: Publications from health policy institutes such as the Center for Disease Dynamics, Economics & Policy (CDDEP), Chatham House, and the Wellcome Trust offer in-depth analysis on AMR trends, economic impacts, and policy recommendations. These reports often include country-specific case studies and innovative intervention models.

• News Outlets and Specialized Media: Reputable international news sources like The Lancet, Nature News, and Reuters Health provide up-to-date coverage on AMR outbreaks, pharmaceutical developments, and international negotiations. They help contextualize the evolving political and scientific landscape surrounding AMR.

This guide aims to provide delegates with a comprehensive understanding of antimicrobial resistance as a pressing global health issue, the key stakeholders involved, and the complexities surrounding international cooperation and policy-making. Effective debate and resolution drafting will require balancing public health imperatives, economic realities, and equity considerations.