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Geneva, 22 May 2026 — Global health leaders are calling for a fundamental shift in how antimicrobial innovation is understood and supported, following a high-level discussion at the 79th World Health Assembly (WHA79).

An official side event, co-hosted by the International Pharmaceutical Students’ Federation, the Alliance for Health Promotion, the Government of Japan, the Japan Institute for Health Security, and the LEAD initiative, brought together policymakers, researchers and youth representatives to explore how to build a more sustainable and equitable ecosystem for antimicrobial research and development (R&D).

Moving beyond a “pipeline problem”

Discussions challenged the dominant framing of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) as primarily a market failure centred on insufficient commercial incentives. Instead, speakers emphasised that the challenges are more systemic rooted in fragile research ecosystems, declining expertise, and gaps in long-term capacity.

Participants noted that sustaining the antimicrobial pipeline requires not only financial incentives, but also stronger coordination across research systems, public health infrastructure, and global partnerships.

This broader framing signals a shift from short-term fixes towards addressing the underlying conditions needed for innovation to thrive over time.

Antimicrobials as global public goods

A core theme of the event was the need to recognise antimicrobials as public goods. This approach prioritises long-term public health outcomes alongside innovation, rather than focusing solely on commercial returns.

Speakers argued that such a perspective supports more consistent investment in essential foundations of innovation, including data systems, surveillance infrastructure and human capital. It also encourages a closer integration of antimicrobial R&D into health systems, where it has historically been less embedded than other public health functions such as stewardship and disease surveillance.

Collaboration and new models of partnership

The event highlighted the growing importance of collaborative approaches that span countries, institutions and sectors. Trust, shared responsibility and coordinated action across the innovation pathway were identified as critical enablers.

One example discussed was the “Nakama model”, a system-centred approach designed to strengthen collaboration and continuity across the R&D landscape. Related initiatives are already applying aspects of this model in practice, demonstrating how coordinated, cross-border efforts can support more resilient innovation systems.

Expanding global participation

A strong emphasis was placed on the need to broaden participation in antimicrobial innovation, particularly by strengthening engagement with low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Participants stressed that countries should not be viewed solely as recipients of innovation, but as active partners in shaping research agendas and contributing to discovery. Examples such as expanding genomic surveillance capacity in countries like Nigeria illustrate the potential for locally driven research to inform global priorities.

This shift, speakers argued, is central not only to equity, but also to improving the relevance and effectiveness of new antimicrobial solutions.

Investing in people and future capacity

Beyond systems and structures, discussions repeatedly returned to the importance of investing in people. Participants highlighted concerns about the loss of expertise in the field and the need for clearer career pathways for early-career researchers.

Youth engagement was identified as a promising area of momentum, with growing interest in AMR among students and early-career professionals. Sustaining this engagement will require mentorship, structured opportunities, and support for multidisciplinary collaboration.

Youth-led science communication was also recognised as an important contribution – helping to translate complex scientific issues for broader audiences and strengthen public understanding of AMR.

Balancing immediate needs with long-term innovation

The discussion also addressed the need to balance access to existing antimicrobials with the development of new treatments. Rather than competing priorities, these were framed as complementary components of a comprehensive response to AMR.

Participants noted that rising burdens from non-communicable diseases, such as cancer, further reinforce the importance of effective antimicrobials, strengthening the case for sustained investment in R&D.

A call for system-wide action

Closing reflections underscored that securing the future of antimicrobial innovation will require a shift in mindset. Rather than focusing narrowly on markets or pipelines, stakeholders must address the broader ecosystem – spanning people, institutions and partnerships.

As the WHA79 side event made clear, sustainable progress on AMR will depend not only on funding, but on building and maintaining the systems and capacities that underpin innovation worldwide.

Read the report of the side event.Link opens in a new window