158th session of the WHO Executive Board (EB158): Draft updated global action plan on antimicrobial resistance

On 4 February 2026, IFPMA delivered a statement on Agenda item 14 on the draft updated global action plan on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) at the 158th session of the WHO Executive Board.

We welcome the timely update of the Global Action Plan on AMR (GAP), which provides a unique opportunity to take stock of progress to date and redouble efforts in addressing gaps ahead of the planned 2029 UN AMR HLM.

We are broadly supportive of the proposed strategic objectives and in particular reiterate the urgent need to advance effective R&D incentives for antibiotics to address the growing burden of resistant infections and nurture the research expertise necessary to tackle current and future threats. At the same time, we call on governments to work with industry in advancing sustainable access to and appropriate use of antibiotics across different contexts, firmly grounded in a collaborative approach that supports shared public health and environmental objectives while safeguarding antibiotic research, development, and production.

IFPMA has maintained long-standing commitment to the issue of AMR, including through establishing and leading the AMR Industry Alliance, and the biopharmaceutical industry has continued to advance R&D through the IFPMA BCR AMR Action Fund. We stand ready to work with governments and other partners in advancing sustainable long-term solutions and contributing our sector's unique expertise, including in relation to the upcoming Independent Panel on Evidence for Action against AMR (IPEA).