79th WHA Individual Statements
Distinguished Delegates,
Research estimates effective infection prevention and control - IPC -and antimicrobial stewardship can reduce the burden of AMR by 85%. Yet, one in five of all healthcare facilities lack basic water services - with women and girls bearing disproportionately higher burden of infection. Without water, sanitation and hygiene, IPC is impossible.
Investment in WASH in healthcare facilities is affordable, cost-effective and essential to curbing AMR crisis. AMR cannot be contained without the political will and financing required to achieve the target of 100% of countries having basic water, sanitation and hygiene services in all healthcare facilities. If we are serious about tackling AMR then we need to fund water, sanitation and hygiene in all healthcare facilities - urgently. Without this essential investment in the basics of healthcare we will not win this battle.