Nigeria is set to make history as it prepares to host the 5th Global High-Level Ministerial Conference on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in Abuja from June 29 to 30, 2026. This milestone marks the first time the prestigious global event will be held on African soil, spotlighting Nigeria’s growing leadership in addressing the global AMR threat.

The announcement was made during the inaugural meeting of the Ministerial Advisory Committee on the Planning of the Conference, held in Abuja on July 1, 2025. Attendees included top government officials, development partners, and technical experts from across sectors.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, emphasized that hosting the conference would strengthen Nigeria’s position in promoting the One Health approach—a framework that integrates human, animal, and environmental health to tackle AMR effectively. He stressed that intersectoral collaboration is key to building resilient systems that protect both public and animal health while ensuring food security.

Echoing this sentiment, Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, warned of the urgent threat AMR poses to livestock production and rural livelihoods. “When antibiotics become ineffective, the result is economic strain for farmers, compromised food safety, and increased health risks,” he said. “No single sector can combat AMR alone. One Health must be our collective foundation.”

Dr. Jide Idris, Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), presented sobering statistics, revealing that AMR caused approximately 64,500 direct deaths in Nigeria in 2021 alone, with 263,400 total deaths linked to resistant infections. He also cited a 7% decline in GDP and an 11% drop in livestock productivity linked to AMR.

Environmental concerns were highlighted by Omotunde Adeola, Director of Pollution Control and Environmental Health, who pointed out that improper waste disposal and environmental contamination worsen AMR, making environmental stewardship an essential part of the One Health solution.

The 2026 AMR Conference aims to:

• Review global and national progress on AMR action plans.
• Strengthen high-level political will and secure new commitments.
• Showcase innovative, context-specific solutions, especially from low- and middle-income countries.
• Promote equitable access to antimicrobials and diagnostics.
• Scale up technology-enabled surveillance, stewardship, and WASH interventions.
• Foster youth leadership in the fight against AMR.

The Abuja gathering will build upon the momentum of previous conferences hosted by the Netherlands, Oman, and Saudi Arabia. It will also serve as a vital prelude to the 2026 United Nations General Assembly High-Level Meeting on AMR.

The Ministerial Advisory Committee concluded the meeting by issuing a joint statement from the Ministers of Health, Livestock Development, and Environment, formally announcing the conference dates. Nigeria’s proactive hosting underscores its commitment to shaping the future of global antimicrobial stewardship and championing Africa’s voice in the global AMR response.

More details on the conference agenda, registration, and side events are expected to be released in the coming months.