The 183 Members of the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) adopted the updated Global Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (GAP-AMR) 2026–36 during WOAH’s 93rd General Session on May 21.
The adoption marks a significant achievement for WOAH and the Quadripartite (FAO, UNEP, WHO and WOAH) partnership on AMR, bringing the global community one step closer to a coordinated, One Health response to one of the most pressing challenges facing human, animal, plant and environmental health.
Two days later, member states of the World Health Organization (WHO) also adopted the updated plan during the World Health Assembly, reinforcing a shared commitment across sectors and regions to accelerate action against AMR.
As the first of the Quadripartite organizations to formally adopt the updated Global Action Plan through its governing body, WOAH demonstrated its leadership and commitment to advancing a coordinated global response to antimicrobial resistance.
A roadmap for the next decade
The updated GAP-AMR sets out a common vision and strategic direction for the period 2026–36. It reflects the commitment made by United Nations Member States in the Political Declaration of the High-level Meeting on Antimicrobial Resistance, which called for a robust and inclusive multisectoral response through a One Health approach that aligns with current realities to drive greater impact against antimicrobial resistance.
The plan has six strategic objectives:
- Strengthen awareness and promote appropriate social and behavioral change
- Strengthen surveillance systems and laboratory networks to support evidence-based policies and action
- Intensify infection prevention and control to reduce the burden of infectious diseases and the need for antimicrobials
- Ensure equitable access, appropriate use and safe disposal of antimicrobials, diagnostics and other health products
- Accelerate antimicrobial resistance research and innovation
- Strengthen multisectoral governance, sustainable financing and accountability for a coordinated AMR response
By addressing AMR through a One Health approach, the Plan recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, plant and environmental health and the need for collective action to preserve the effectiveness of antimicrobials for future generations.
