On November 12, 2024, the Global Coalition on Aging and the Acton Institute brought together a diverse group of thought leaders—including senior clergy, scientists, G7 leaders, patient advocates, and private sector innovators—at the Pontifical Academy of Sciences in Vatican City for a critical discussion on antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The event, entitled Solving for Antimicrobial Resistance: A Rising Global Health and Humanitarian Crisis, underscored the urgent need for innovation in the fight against drug-resistant diseases, and highlighted the profound humanitarian, ethical, and economic implications of AMR. 

The gathering produced a powerful statement calling for urgent global action on AMR, emphasizing the humanitarian, ethical, and economic implications of this growing crisis with the five following key points: 

1. The time to act on AMR and antimicrobial innovation is now. These are well-understood problems with well-understood solutions, including pull incentives. G7 and EU Governments are encouraged to act now on innovation, regulatory reform, and education on stewardship and appropriate use. Policies to increase vaccination uptake must also be prioritized as preventative measures are essential to preserving the effectiveness of both newer and older antimicrobials. A One Health approach to combat AMR in coordination with a broad range of stakeholders is critical to tackling AMR as a global public health threat.
2. AMR is not just an infectious disease problem. Our entire system of modern medicine is at risk. If resistance continues to grow, and innovation continues to stall, we will no longer be able to safely treat cancer, do surgeries, or perform countless other medical procedures. Hospitalization itself is being undermined. Our response to this problem must be commensurate with its impact.
3. The G7 and the EU should prioritize development of new antibiotics to protect the world against rising levels of resistance. The immunocompromised and the soon-to-be 2 billion older adults globally are at greatest risk. Push and pull incentives are effective ways to fix the broken marketplace and sustainably produce new antimicrobials, and should be implemented widely throughout the G7 and EU – building off of the Political Declaration of the 2024 United Nations High-level Meeting on AMR. Pull incentives are particularly needed.
4. The problem of AMR and its consequences are still not widely understood. The media, the arts, and religious institutions are essential to build broader awareness of AMR. While experts understand the issues, we need greater public engagement and education to support appropriate use, help to address health disparities, and push towards effective solutions.  
5. The Catholic Church plays a tremendous role in the fight against AMR as a convener, as a shepherd of communities, and as an educator. By leading these actions in communities around the world, the Catholic Church can draw greater attention to this health crisis, which is destroying lives, families, and communities – with the greatest toll on the most vulnerable. 

“Antimicrobial resistance is not a distant threat—it is already undermining the health and longevity of millions, especially older adults and vulnerable populations, as was recently noted in The Lancet.1 We have the knowledge and tools to address this crisis, but it will require urgent action from governments, the private sector, and global organizations. The time to act is now, and we must do so with a commitment to equity and global solidarity. Our collective response will determine whether we safeguard the medical advancements of the last century or risk losing them entirely and lurch into a world without antibiotics “ 

— Mike Hodin, CEO, Global Coalition on Aging 

A Growing Global Crisis 

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) threatens to undo decades of medical progress. Currently, AMR is associated with approximately 5 million deaths annually and is projected to cause 39 million deaths over the next 25 years if left unchecked.1 The most vulnerable populations, particularly older adults and the marginalized, face a disproportionate burden from AMR. For these individuals, routine treatments are becoming increasingly unsafe, and the risk of fatal infections is rising. Without urgent action, the world is on the brink of returning to an era where common infections are again life-threatening. 

The meeting also underscored the need for global collaboration. Governments, the private sector, and international organizations must work together to create a sustainable pipeline for new antimicrobial innovations. The G7 and EU are encouraged to prioritize regulatory reforms and financial incentives to accelerate research and ensure equitable access to life-saving medicines. 

A Call for Justice and Equity in Healthcare 

As the Holy See emphasized at the 2024 United Nations High-Level Meeting on AMR, overcoming health inequities is central to addressing the AMR crisis. Pope Francis has often called for action on social justice, and the fight against AMR is a critical issue of fairness and equity. By strengthening market conditions for the development of antimicrobials, society can ensure that all people, regardless of their socio-economic status, have access to the treatments they need. 

Hope for the Future 

Despite the challenges, there is hope. Countries such as the UK, Japan, Italy, and Canada have taken steps to implement “push” and “pull” incentives, and the U.S. is considering the PASTEUR Act to address the crisis. But more must be done, and it must be done quickly – urgent and coordinated action is needed worldwide to address the pressing issue of AMR.