Prof . Pate Inaugurated Ministerial Advisory Committee For 2026 AMR Conference, Sues for Integrated One Health Approach
By Pan Afric Reporters -Abuja, Nigeria
In a strategic move to positioning Nigeria at the forefront of global health diplomacy, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Mohammed Ali Pate announced that Nigeria will host the 5th Global High-Level Ministerial Conference on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in Abuja in 2026. Hence, Inaugurated a Ministerial Advisory Committee which signifies preparation for the conference.
Speaking during the inauguration of the Ministerial Advisory Committee for the planning of the landmark conference, Prof. Pate highlighted Nigeria’s commitment to the One Health Approach, a strategy recognizing the interconnection between human, animal, plant, and environmental health.
“The health of people, animals, and the environment are intricately connected,” Pate said. “That’s why we established the One Health steering committee, and we are rolling this approach into the preparations for the 2026 conference.”
The 2026 AMR Conference is expected to deliver transformative outcomes and shape international policy leading up to the United Nations General Assembly’s High-Level Meeting on AMR later that year. It will serve as a platform for countries to share innovations, scale best practices, and reaffirm commitments toward AMR-related 2030 global targets.
Nigeria has extended an invitation to governments, development partners, the private sector, academia, and civil society to convene in Abuja — described by Pate as a city symbolizing “resilience and ambition” — to chart the course for stronger global action against AMR.
Cross-Sector Collaboration at the Core
Highlighting the need for multi-sectoral collaboration, Pate emphasized that effective AMR strategies require contributions from health, livestock, agriculture, and environmental sectors.
“We must work together to develop sustainable solutions that secure our health systems, food security, and ecosystems,” he said.
The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, notes the growing threat AMR poses to Nigeria’s livestock sector — a critical pillar of rural livelihoods.
“Antimicrobial resistance is not just a health issue; it’s a threat to our food systems and rural economies,” Maiha stated. “No single sector can tackle AMR alone. The One Health approach is essential.”
Maiha also outlined the ministry’s ongoing efforts, including the development of national guidelines for antimicrobial drug use in animals, and strategies for food safety and antimicrobial stewardship.
Environmental Concerns and Urgency
The Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, represented by Director of Pollution Control and Environmental Health, Omotunde Adeola, drew attention to the environmental dimension of the AMR crisis.
“AMR is not only a public health challenge — it is an environmental emergency,” Adeola said. “The environment acts as both a reservoir and transmission pathway for resistant microorganisms, often due to improper waste disposal, hospital runoff, and pollution.”
Adeola emphasized the need for sustainable practices, stronger waste management systems, and integrated hygiene strategies as part of the national AMR response.
United Front for a Global Challenge
With support from key figures such as Professor Yabu Chichibu and Dr. Ayodele Alakija, the Ministerial Advisory Committee has begun preparatory work to ensure Nigeria’s successful hosting of the 2026 conference.
Prof. Pate commended the committee’s swift organization and dedication: “You have mobilized with urgency and clarity. I am confident that this team will lay the foundation for a truly impactful global event.”
As the world continues to grapple with the threat of antimicrobial resistance, Nigeria’s leadership in convening this high-level dialogue signals a firm commitment to shaping a resilient, sustainable, and collaborative global health future.
