Sodiq Ojuroungbe Nigeria has been selected to host the 5th Global High-Level Ministerial Conference on Antimicrobial Resistance in 2026, taking the reins from Saudi Arabia. The announcement was made at the 4th Global High-Level Ministerial Conference on Antimicrobial Resistance, which was held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, from 15 to 16 November. Confirming the development on his X account, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, acknowledged the success of the 4th bi-annual high-level ministerial meeting and pledged to build upon it for the 2026 edition.

Pate noted, “We will learn and build upon your success for the 5th edition in 2026. Counting on the Troika process for smooth transition and the quadripartite. Nigeria is open to welcoming all member states in 2026.

” According to the Saudi Press Agency, the ministerial conference culminated in the approval of the Jeddah Commitments, marking significant progress in the global fight against antimicrobial resistance. The conference themed: “From Declaration to Implementation”, had ministers, health experts, and stakeholders from around the world address the urgent need for coordinated action to address AMR. The Jeddah Commitments build on the Political Declaration on AMR adopted at the 79th United Nations General Assembly High-Level Meeting on AMR in September.

The Jeddah Commitments include strengthened governance, enhanced surveillance and stewardship, capacity building, research and developm.