New York, September 28 (QNA) - The State of Qatar participated in the UN General Assembly High-Level Meeting on antimicrobial resistance, held in New York under the theme "Investing in the present and securing our future together: accelerating multisectoral global, regional and national actions to address antimicrobial resistance." HE Minister of Public Health Dr. Hanan Mohammed Al Kuwari represented the State of Qatar in the meeting.

During the meeting, the political declaration of the high-level meeting on antimicrobial resistance was adopted.

In her speech, HE Dr. Hanan Mohammed Al Kuwari affirmed the State of Qatar's welcome of the political declaration resulting from the meeting, emphasizing the country's commitment to addressing the challenges posed by antimicrobial resistance at both regional and international levels.

Her Excellency explained that Qatar launched its third National Health Strategy 2024-2030 two weeks ago to achieve Qatar National Vision 2030, aiming to improve the health and well-being of the Qatari population through excellence in service delivery, while ensuring sustainability and efficiency through an integrated and resilient health system. The strategy also supports Qatar's efforts to meet the requirements of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2030.

HE the Minister of Public Health added that in line with the World Health Organization's global action plan on antimicrobial resistance and in implementation of the political declaration issued from the high-level UN General Assembly meeting held in September 2016, Qatar announced its National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance in 2019. The plan encompasses all relevant national sectors, notably human health, the environment, food safety, and animal health, aiming to minimize antimicrobial resistance in Qatar to the lowest possible level.

Her Excellency stated that the national action plan also includes the implementation of a national program for infection control and prevention, as well as a program to optimize the use of antimicrobials in human and animal health. It promotes national research and investments in areas related to antimicrobial resistance, raises awareness about the issue, enhances data collection, and establishes a comprehensive national program for monitoring and surveillance of antimicrobial resistance and antimicrobial consumption.

HE Dr. Al Kuwari noted that the Ministry of Public Health continues to take necessary measures to reduce the risks of antimicrobial resistance, particularly among the most vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems.

HE Dr. Hanan Mohammed Al Kuwari emphasized that believing in a multi-sectoral collaborative approach and the importance of unified policies in finding scientific solutions and coordinating efforts, Qatar has participated in all international and regional meetings related to antimicrobial resistance. In this context, Doha hosted a regional meeting in May in partnership with the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office to build capacities for improving antibiotic use in the region. The meeting also aimed to enhance regional and international cooperation, especially since the challenge posed by antimicrobial resistance is a cross-border issue that no country can tackle alone.

The political declaration of the high-level meeting on antimicrobial resistance focuses on working with a shared vision that includes measurable goals and objectives to mobilize political will and address the drivers, sources, and challenges of antimicrobial resistance, establishing the foundation for global action against it.

According to the United Nations, antimicrobial resistance is one of the biggest global threats to public health, food security, and the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals for 2030. (QNA)