Natal, 4 September 2024 (PAHO/WHO) – The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) recently led a series of discussions on crucial health issues during a G20 health working group meeting from 1-3 September in Natal, Brazil, including the escalating threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), the urgent need to address the impact of climate change on health, and the importance of investing in One Health strategies in the Region of the Americas.
A Defining Moment in the Fight Against Antimicrobial Resistance
The primary focus of the event was AMR, a major global threat that hinders the effective treatment of an increasing range of infections caused by bacteria, parasites, viruses and fungi, resulting in prolonged illness and increased mortality. Globally, AMR costs around $855 billion each year in rising healthcare costs and lost productivity, and in 2019 alone, it claimed 1.3 million lives.
While 165 countries in the world, including 26 in the Americas, have developed National Action Plans to address AMR, large-scale implementation has been slow, underscoring the need for more resources and renewed commitment,
In the region, however, 87% of PAHO member countries have established national action plans—surpassing the global average. “The Americas are leading the charge against AMR, with PAHO’s strong leadership offering a model for other regions,” Dr. Socorro Gross Galiano, PAHO’s representative in Brazil said.
Dr. Gross also emphasized the importance of PAHO’s One Health approach, which fosters cross-sectoral collaboration to effectively tackle AMR, and highlighted PAHO’s upcoming participation in the AMR discussions at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) high-level event in New York this September, where the organization will advocate for decisive international action against this global threat.
In a presentation at the session, Dr. Pilar Ramon-Pardo, Chief of PAHO’s Antimicrobial Resistance Program, acknowledged the significant progress made in the Americas, but warned that persistent challenges, including limited national budgets and inequitable access to health services and products, will continue to hinder progress until they are effectively addressed.
Tackling Tuberculosis in the Context of Climate Change: A Call for Action
PAHO and the World Health Organization also co-hosted the “Ending TB in the Context of Climate Change: Building Evidence to Inform Actions” panel. During the event, panelists discussed how factors such as malnutrition, food insecurity, and deteriorating living conditions—all exacerbated by climate change—are making populations more susceptible to tuberculosis.
Underscoring the need for countries to mitigate the effects of climate change, particularly its potential to disrupt health services, Dr. Gross called for increased collaboration. “The G20 has the resources, research capabilities, and best practices to unite us in this final, intense push to address these interconnected challenges,” she said.
G20
The Group of Twenty (G20) is an international economic cooperation forum made up of 19 countries: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, the Republic of Korea, the Russian Federation, Saudia Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Island, the United States of America, and two regional bodies: the African Union and the European Union. The Presidency of the G20 is currently held by the Brazilian government.
