The Federal Government has postponed the 5th Global High-Level Ministerial Conference on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), which was scheduled to take place in Abuja from June 28 to 30, 2026.
This decision was contained in a statement on Wednesday, by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate.
He said the postponement followed extensive consultations with key stakeholders and partners involved in preparations for the global event.
While no new date was announced, the government assured that a revised schedule would be communicated in due course.
The conference was expected to bring together ministers, policymakers, scientists, development partners, civil society organisations, youth groups and other stakeholders from across the world to strengthen global efforts against antimicrobial resistance, one of the most pressing public health threats of the 21st century.
Despite the postponement, the Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to hosting the conference and advancing international collaboration to tackle antimicrobial resistance through the One Health approach, which integrates human, animal and environmental health interventions.
“The Federal Government deeply regrets any inconvenience this postponement may cause and appreciates the understanding, support and continued cooperation of all stakeholders,” the statement said.
The government expressed appreciation to members of the AMR Troika, the Global Leaders Group on Antimicrobial Resistance, the Quadripartite Joint Secretariat on AMR, member states, development partners, international organisations, academia, civil society groups and youth networks for their continued support towards the planned conference.
According to the statement, preparations for the event will continue under the supervision of the Local Organising Committee and relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies, while engagement with stakeholders and partners will be sustained to ensure a successful conference when a new date is announced.
The Federal Government stressed that antimicrobial resistance remains a growing global challenge that requires coordinated action across countries and sectors to safeguard public health, food systems and economic development.
Nigeria, which is hosting the ministerial conference for the first time, said it remains committed to playing a leading role in global efforts to curb antimicrobial resistance and looks forward to welcoming delegates to Abuja when the conference is rescheduled.
Health experts have consistently warned that antimicrobial resistance—often driven by the misuse and overuse of antibiotics and other antimicrobial medicines—poses a significant threat to global health by making infections more difficult and costly to treat.