The synthesis and translation of rigorous scientific evidence to inform AMR policy and practice is essential for effective global action to address AMR.
In 2019, the United Nations’ Interagency Coordination Group for Antimicrobial Resistance identified three bodies needed to support global efforts to address AMR: the Global Leaders Group (GLG), the AMR Multi-Stakeholder Partnership Platform (MSPP) and the independent panel on evidence for action against AMR (IPEA).
While the GLG and MSPP were established in 2020 and 2023 respectively, the critical research-to-policy function that a scientific panel would provide remained missing. This will change in 2025. The 2024 Political Declaration on AMR adopted at the UN General Assembly has set in motion the establishment of a scientific panel on AMR, that will support evidence-informed policymaking on AMR.
What Can Be Learned from the IPCC
Existing scientific panels, such as the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), provide policymakers with regular scientific assessments, explain implications and highlight potential future risks. At the AMR Policy Accelerator, we have distilled lessons, both successes and shortcomings, from the IPCC for consideration when designing an effective scientific panel and examined the relative merits of two options: an intergovernmental approach, and a non-intergovernmental approach.
Benefits of a Scientific Panel on AMR
A carefully designed scientific panel on AMR could:
- synthesize research on AMR to offer evidence-informed policy recommendations,
- address governance gaps by improving global coordination and cooperation,
- provide real-time evidence to guide policies,
- track progress toward agreed global AMR goals and targets.
Perhaps most importantly, for nations with the highest burden of AMR, a well-designed scientific panel with a clear mandate could play a vital role in global AMR governance by providing evidence-informed recommendations to promote equitable AMR interventions.
Project outputs
Watch the explainer video: What could an independent panel on action against antimicrobial resistance (IPEA) look like?
Watch the webinar: Designing a scientific panel on AMR – Lessons from climate change policy
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