10 key takeaways from the Asia Pacific AMR Conference 2025

2025-09-26

The ReAct Asia Pacific Regional Conference on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) convened over 100 delegates from 30 countries for two days of dialogue and collaboration on one of the most pressing public health threats of our time. Under the theme “From Declaration to Action: Operationalizing One-Health AMR Action in the Asia-Pacific Region,” the conference marked a significant step in translating global commitments into regional, actionable initiatives. Find 10 key takeaways from the meeting-days in this article.

Co-hosted by the Ministry of Health Indonesia and ReAct Asia Pacific, with support from the International Centre for Antimicrobial Resistance Solutions (ICARS), the Global Strategy Lab (GSL), and the Global Antibiotic Research & Development Partnership (GARDP), the conference days brought together government representatives, quadripartite organizations, civil society, academia and private sector stakeholders.

Key moments in the conference

Deputy Minister of Health, Indonesia, formally opened

Prof. Dante Saksono Harbuwono, Deputy Minister of Health, Indonesia, formally opened the proceedings, emphasizing Indonesia’s leadership and cross-sector collaboration. Dr. S.S. Lal, Director of ReAct Asia Pacific, highlighted the urgent need to address the high AMR burden in the region.

High-level overview from WHO

The conference opened with a high-level overview from WHO Headquarters and the Eastern Mediterranean, South-East Asia, and Western Pacific Offices, highlighting progress, key challenges, and priorities for action in the post-UNGA HLM era and the upcoming Global Action Plan update on AMR.The conference highlighted the importance of regional leadership.

Engagement of Indonesia

Indonesia demonstrated how strong political commitment, innovative public–private partnerships, and the integration of AMR into quality-of-care frameworks can drive national progress and serve as a model for neighboring countries.

Practical lessons from the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Timor-Leste, and Thailand

Representatives from the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Timor-Leste, and Thailand shared practical lessons and best practices from their respective national experiences in addressing AMR.One Health approach emerged as essential, emphasizing the alignment of human, animal, and environmental health strategies under shared monitoring and evaluation frameworks. Delegates stressed that embedding AMR into broader health system strengthening, primary care, and universal health coverage ensures sustainability and avoids siloed programs.

Financing of AMR

Financing AMR response remains a critical challenge. Panelists explored innovative financing solutions, including domestic levies earmarked for AMR, integration with existing health programs, regional cooperation, and leveraging the Pandemic Fund.

Technology and innovation

Technology and innovation were highlighted as key enablers, with AI-powered diagnostics, point-of-care testing, and interoperable digital health platforms enhancing real-time surveillance and supporting evidence-based decision-making. Practical examples demonstrated how such innovations can reduce antimicrobial use while maintaining productivity across health and agricultural systems.

Communities and youth engagement

Community and youth engagement were also emphasized. Celebrating ReAct’s 20th anniversary, the conference highlighted initiatives such as Antibiotic Smart Communities, which empower local action through community-led indicators.

Youth networks have reached thousands of students, integrating AMR awareness into curricula and using creative strategies like art, music, and storytelling to communicate messages. Pre-conference media and youth events reinforced the importance of building the next generation of AMR champions.

One Health surveillance systems

Delegates emphasized the need to strengthen integrated One Health surveillance systems, focus on vulnerable populations – including refugees, elderly, and children – implement context-specific stewardship programs, and enhance regional collaboration frameworks. GARDP outlined strategies to improve access to newer antibiotics in the region, ICARS demonstrated country-driven implementation research and co-development projects, and GSL presented the Smart Choice Prioritization Process to help countries prioritize AMR interventions. These discussions highlighted the importance of cross-sector collaboration for sustainable AMR action.

There are solutions

The Asia Pacific AMR Conference demonstrated that while AMR challenges are immense, solutions exist through political commitment, innovation, community engagement, and cross-sector collaboration. The path from declaration to action requires sustained effort, innovative thinking, and shared responsibility. A detailed report of conference sessions will follow.

10 key takeaways from the conference

1. From commitments to action

The meeting provided a platform to translate global commitments from the 2024 UNGA HLM into actionable regional and national strategies, helping countries identify pathways to accelerate NAP implementation and align with GAP 2.0 priorities.

2.⁠ ⁠One Health in practice

Sessions highlighted the importance of integrating human, animal, and environmental health sectors through shared surveillance, coordinated monitoring, and multisector stewardship programs to operationalize One Health in practice.

3. Financing innovation

Sessions highlighted the urgency of sustainable financing, including domestic allocations, integration with existing programs, regional pooled mechanisms, and leveraging global funds.

4. ⁠Lessons and peer learning

Country presentations and regional showcases facilitated cross-country learning on successes, challenges, and innovations, helping participants adapt solutions to their contexts.

5. Technology and innovation

Digital health platforms, AI, and diagnostics were recognized as game-changers for surveillance, stewardship, and clinical decision-making, enabling real-time action.

6. Health systems integration

Discussions emphasized embedding AMR into primary health care, supply chains, and quality-of-care frameworks, while strengthening stewardship programs and surveillance systems across human, animal, and environmental sectors.

7. Civil society and youth engagement

Grassroots initiatives, Antibiotic Smart Communities, youth networks, and media partnerships demonstrated how bottom-up approaches drive awareness, advocacy, and accountability.

8. ⁠Addressing Vulnerable Populations

Breakout sessions called for tailored interventions for refugees, elderly, children, and marginalized groups, ensuring equity in AMR responses.

9. Regional cooperation and partnerships

Delegates stressed the value of cross-border collaboration, capacity-building, and regional alignment, reflected in the Jakarta Consensus on AMR.

10. Building momentum for action

The conference marked ReAct’s 20th anniversary with a renewed focus on sustained political will, stronger regional networks, and ongoing advocacy by civil society and youth, ensuring the transition truly moves from declaration to action.