Moscow Hosts International BRICS Conference on Antimicrobial Resistance

The International Conference ‘Antimicrobial Resistance: A Global Challenge to the National Well-Being of BRICS. Reality and Innovation’ was held in a hybrid format in Moscow on 30–31 May 2024 as part of Russia’s BRICS Chairship in 2024. The conference was held at the site of the 26th International Congress on Antimicrobial Therapy and Clinical Microbiology of the International Association of Clinical Microbiology and Anti-Microbial Chemotherapy.

Antimicrobial resistance is one of the most pressing problems of our time and poses biological and economic threats to BRICS countries. This problem contributes to increased mortality, the deterioration of health indicators among the population, and the death of animals and plants.

The conference participants discussed issues related to the problem of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and its connection to the consumption of antimicrobial drugs in BRICS countries, national strategies, plans and initiatives to combat the development and spread of AMR, and the results of their practical implementation. They also outlined plans for further cooperation to fight AMR within the BRICS framework.

On 30 May, BRICS delegations held a plenary session jointly with representatives of international organizations that coordinate measures to combat AMR at the global level as part of the One Health concept (the World Health Organization (WHO), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, and World Organization for Animal Health (OIE)). Representatives of the Russian Ministry of Health, the WHO, and the OIE made welcoming remarks. Experts from the WHO, FAO, and OIE delivered technical presentations at the plenary session.

During subsequent sessions, the participants reviewed national action plans to control AMR, existing monitoring systems and opportunities for their harmonization, as well as current data on the epidemiology of AMR and antibiotic consumption in BRICS countries.

On 31 May, a discussion was held on the previously presented draft Joint Statement of Experts of BRICS Countries on AMR. Delegates from participating countries approved the text of the statement, which is to be presented at the High-Level Meeting of the UN General Assembly on AMR in September 2024 after it is approved by national ministries of health.

The Roscongress Foundation manages the events of Russia’s BRICS Chairship.