The Maldives has launched its first coordinated national effort to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR) with the inaugural meeting of the National Multisectoral Antimicrobial Resistance Coordination Committee, held at the Ministry of Health on July 17 .

The committee, comprising key national stakeholders across health, agriculture, and environmental sectors, convened to align efforts under the One Health approach. The session is the start of a renewed nationwide response to AMR, an escalating global threat that renders common infections increasingly difficult to treat due to resistance developed by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.

The meeting focused on advancing the Maldives’ National Action Plan on AMR for 2024–2029, which builds on the previous five-year strategy that concluded in 2022. Key agenda items included enhancing multisectoral collaboration, improving surveillance and data reporting, and expanding awareness campaigns targeting the public and healthcare providers.

According to health officials, the new plan aims to integrate AMR-related activities into existing public health and environmental systems. Among its priorities are the digitalisation of antimicrobial use surveillance, monitoring treatment efficacy, and implementing regulatory frameworks for appropriate antibiotic use in both human and animal health sectors.

The committee also reviewed steps to strengthen research and development, ensure effective infection prevention measures, and promote responsible antimicrobial usage. Public education and stakeholder training were identified as essential components in reducing misuse and overuse of antibiotics.

AMR has been recognised by the World Health Organization as one of the most pressing global health challenges. Left unchecked, it is expected to compromise healthcare systems, food security, and economic development. The Maldives, which has seen significant progress in eliminating infectious diseases such as malaria, measles, and polio, is now seeking to protect those gains through proactive AMR containment strategies.