WHO, WTO and WIPO held a joint technical symposium on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and how to foster related innovation, as well as access to and appropriate use of antibiotics.
The event served as a forum to exchange views and experiences, to discuss and better understand the global challenge of AMR, and to envisage possible ways forward.
The event was open to all and was held in English only. Download the flyer for the event 
.
AMR is one of the most pressing challenges for humanity. It affects all areas of health, involves many sectors and has an impact on the whole of society.
Increasing resistance threatens to roll back the achievements of modern medicine, as many medicinal procedures rely on effective antibiotics. Antibiotics, more than other medicines, can be considered a public good for which society has a collective responsibility.
Background paper: Antimicrobial resistance – a global epidemic
This Symposium was the sixth in a series of joint technical symposia convened by WHO, WIPO and WTO. It built on the collaborative work undertaken by the three agencies to enhance capacity, including the trilateral study Promoting Access to Medical Technologies and Innovation .
More information about the previous symposia: WHO | WIPO | WTO
The Symposium was opened by the Directors General of WIPO and WTO, and the WHO Special Representative for AMR. Hala Audi, Head of the Review Team, Review on Antimicrobial Resistance, presented the results of the recent Review on Antimicrobial Resistance.
The opening address was followed by three panel discussions.
Download the full program
Watch the video Video
Francis Gurry
Roberto Azevêdo
Keiji Fukuda
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Hala Audi, Keynote speaker
)The first panel focused on new approaches to foster access and appropriate use of antibiotics. Video Video
Moderated by Ms. Suzanne Hill, Director, Department of Essential Medicines and Health Products, WHO
Evelina Tacconelli
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Eveline Wesangula
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Rob Ahern
Principal Officer of Agricultural Health and Food Safety, Inter-American Institute for Cooperation in Agriculture (IICA), Costa Rica
A second panel reviewed R&D initiatives underway and discuss challenges for, and new approaches to antibiotic innovation. Video Video
Moderated by Edward Kwakwa, Senior Director, Department for Traditional Knowledge and Global Challenges, WIPO
Jean-Pierre Paccaud
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Viviana Muñoz Tellez
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Brian Woolhouse
)A third panel analyzed the potential role of trade policy in support of antimicrobial access and stewardship. Video Video
Moderated by Mr. Hoe Lim, Director, Trade and Environment Division, WTO
Monique Eloit
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Lucas Vinícius Sversut
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Jørgen Schlundt
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