By Nafisat Makinde
Abuja, Nigeria – Nigeria is set to host the 5th Global High-Level Ministerial Conference on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in June 2026, marking a significant milestone in the country’s commitment to global health security. The conference, which will be held in Abuja from June 29 to 30, 2026, will bring together global health leaders, policymakers, and experts to discuss strategies and solutions to combat AMR.
According to Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, “This inaugural meeting of the Ministerial Advisory Committee is a significant milestone. We are taking an integrated and whole-of-government approach to address antimicrobial resistance, which requires cooperation across human health, animal health, plant systems, and environmental protection.”
Pate emphasized the historic significance of Nigeria’s hosting, noting it follows previous high-level AMR summits in Saudi Arabia, the Netherlands, and Oman. “This is the first time Africa will host such a meeting. It’s a responsibility we carry on behalf of the continent. It’s also an opportunity to highlight and amplify African voices, innovations, and priorities in the global AMR agenda.”
The conference is a testament to Nigeria’s rising role in shaping global health security and AMR governance. With over 2.5 million deaths annually associated with AMR globally, and 65,000 deaths directly linked to AMR in Nigeria alone, the conference is a timely initiative to address this growing threat.
Dr. Jide Idris, Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), emphasized the significance of the conference, stating, “AMR is not just a health issue. It’s a development, economic, and national security issue. This conference offers Nigeria a rare opportunity to showcase our innovations and leadership, while also learning from others.”
Honourable Minister of State for Health & Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, added, “The world is watching. At every global forum we attend, from the UK-Africa Health Summit to the World Health Assembly, Nigeria’s hosting is on the agenda. We must ensure this conference is of the highest standard, both technically and politically.”
In aligning under a One Health strategy, Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, emphasized the escalating risk AMR poses to food systems and animal health. “Our sectors cannot work in silos. This committee demonstrates our collective determination to ensure AMR response is coordinated, science-based, and resilient.”
Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Lawal, represented by Mrs. Omotunde Adeola, Director of Pollution Control, warned that AMR is also an environmental time bomb. “In Nigeria, antimicrobial residues from untreated hospital waste, pharmaceutical runoff, and poor sanitation are polluting our water systems and soils. We must integrate WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene) into all AMR strategies.”
The conference will also provide a platform for African voices, innovations, and priorities in the global AMR agenda. With AMR already shaving 7% off Nigeria’s GDP and reducing livestock productivity by 11%, the conference is a crucial step towards addressing this growing threat and protecting the country’s economy and citizens’ health.
