NATIONAL STATEMENT BY PERMANENT SECRETARY FOR LAW AND SECOND PERMANENT SECRETARY FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS LUKE GOH AT THE 79TH SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY HIGH-LEVEL MEETING ON ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE (AMR), NEW YORK, 26 SEPTEMBER 2024
26 September 2024
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Mr. President,
Excellencies,
Distinguished delegates,
1 Singapore welcomes the convening of the second High-Level Meeting on the AMR.
2 The theme of this meeting is especially timely, as we look to drive measurable action in combatting AMR at the national and international levels. Singapore welcomes the [consensual] adoption of the Political Declaration on AMR, which includes ambitious but practical goals that countries can work towards.
3 Combating AMR requires concerted global efforts and international cooperation. Singapore commends the UN and the Quadripartite 1 – FAO, WHO, WOAH and UNEP – for their steadfast commitment towards addressing AMR. We call on the Quadripartite to update the 2015 Global Action Plan on AMR and urge Member States to implement measures to reduce the emergence and spread of AMR. We further urge Member States to prioritise the establishment of a multisectoral coordinating mechanism to engage all sectors through a One Health approach. The strengthening of surveillance efforts, including laboratory capacity, is also important to enable member states to better identify gaps to combat AMR.
Mr. President,
4 The rates of certain drug-resistant pathogens have steadily declined in Singapore’s hospitals, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Nevertheless, other pathogens such as carbapenem-resistant bacteria remain a challenge, and we cannot be complacent. In 2017, Singapore implemented a comprehensive National Strategic Action Plan on AMR to strengthen One Health coordination, expanding surveillance into all relevant sectors: human, animal, food, water and the environment. Cross-sectoral AMR research is growing, and national campaigns have also increased public awareness of appropriate antibiotic use.
5 We will update our National Strategic Action Plan with targets aligned to the commitments of the Political Declaration and continue to strengthen efforts against AMR.
Mr. President,
6 Singapore looks forward to working with all Member States and stakeholders to reduce mortality associated with AMR, safeguard the efficacy of antimicrobials, and protect food security and the environment. Together, we can ensure healthier lives now and for generations to come.
7 Thank you.
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