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STATEMENT BY

H.E. DR. AHMAD FAISAL MUHAMAD

PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS

 

AT THE PLENARY SEGMENT OF

 THE HIGH-LEVEL MEETING ON ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE

 

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the President of the General Assembly for convening this important meeting.  Malaysia also commends the co-facilitators, the Permanent Representatives of Barbados and the Republic of Malta to the United Nations for their tireless efforts in facilitating intergovernmental consultations on the Political Declaration on Antimicrobial Resistance. 

 

2. Malaysia aligns itself with the statement made Uganda on behalf of the Group of 77 and China and wishes to deliver this statement in its national capacity. 

 

Mr. President,

 

3. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) presents an unprecedented threat to global health, food security, and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, especially in developing nations. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the overuse of antimicrobials, intensifying this silent crisis.

 

4. In response to these challenges, Malaysia has made significant strides by establishing the inter-sectoral National Antimicrobial Resistance Committee (NARC) and implementing robust national action plans.  These initiatives aim to raise awareness, strengthen AMR surveillance systems, promote effective infection prevention and control (IPC) measures, and encourage the prudent use of antimicrobials. In line with the One Health approach, the Malaysia Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (MyAP-AMR) 2022-2026 has also been expanded to encompass environmental and plant health sectors.

 

5. Malaysia is cognizant that significant hurdle still lies in raising awareness and promoting behaviour change, particularly in low-resource settings where engaging communities and stakeholders in responsible antimicrobial use is challenging. Additionally, inadequate access to affordable and effective antimicrobials and diagnostics, coupled with the absence of sustainable financing and gaps in surveillance systems, impede our collective response. Environmental contamination and improper disposal of antimicrobials further complicate AMR management.

 

Mr. President,

 

6. There is still much work to be done, particularly in developing countries where the impact of AMR is most severe. Greater investment is crucial to sustain and scale up efforts by developing countries in combatting antimicrobial resistance. Malaysia therefore urgently calls for stronger global collaboration, increased financing, and innovation to overcome AMR challenges, including the development of new antimicrobials and alternative therapies.

 

7. In conclusion, Malaysia reaffirms its commitment to the global fight against AMR. We stand ready to collaborate with all stakeholders to accelerate progress towards addressing global health challenges and the threat of AMR, not only for our generation but for generations to come. Together, we can turn the tide against this growing global threat.

 

I thank you, Mr. President.