Antimicrobial resistance has moved beyond the realm of infectious disease management to become a central issue in global health governance. Governments, international organizations and industry stakeholders increasingly recognize that addressing AMR requires coordinated action across multiple sectors.
This shift is reflected in the Draft updated Global Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance 2026-2036, presented by the World Health Organization to its Executive Board in January 2026.
The document builds on the original 2015 global action plan and expands its scope, placing the One Health approach at the center of future AMR policies.
From the 2015 strategy to a systemic approach
The 2015 WHO strategy established five key objectives for tackling antimicrobial resistance: improving awareness, strengthening surveillance, reducing infections, optimizing antimicrobial use and promoting research into new medicines.
The 2026-2036 draft plan significantly broadens this vision.
AMR is now framed as a system-wide challenge involving healthcare systems, agriculture, environmental management, pharmaceutical production and global regulatory frameworks.
The plan promotes a “whole-of-society” governance model that encourages collaboration between governments, international organizations, academia and the pharmaceutical industry.
Source: WHO. Draft updated Global Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance 2026-2036.
Economic incentives for antibiotic innovation
One of the central themes of the new plan is the persistent market failure affecting antibiotic development.
Unlike many other pharmaceutical products, antibiotics must be used sparingly to preserve their effectiveness. This stewardship requirement limits commercial returns and has historically discouraged private investment.
To address this challenge, the WHO document highlights the need for new economic incentives, including:
- market entry rewards
- public-private research partnerships
- alternative reimbursement models decoupled from sales volume.
These mechanisms aim to create a sustainable environment for antimicrobial innovation while maintaining responsible use.
Access, stewardship and global equity
Another major pillar of the new strategy concerns equitable access to essential antimicrobials.
Many low- and middle-income countries still face barriers in accessing effective antibiotics, while inappropriate use in some contexts accelerates resistance.
The One Health framework promoted by the WHO therefore emphasizes the need to balance access and stewardship.
For the pharmaceutical industry, this translates into a growing expectation to contribute to responsible distribution models, transparency initiatives and stewardship programs that ensure long-term therapeutic effectiveness.
European and national policy implications
The global policy framework is increasingly reflected in regional and national strategies.
In Italy, the National Plan to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance (PNCAR) 2022-2025 has been extended until the end of 2026 while a new national strategy for 2027-2031 is under development.
The 2026 policy guidelines issued by the Italian Ministry of Health also reaffirm the country’s commitment to addressing antimicrobial resistance through the One Health approach.
These developments indicate that AMR will remain a major priority in European and national health policy for the foreseeable future.
Source: Italian Ministry of Health, Policy Guidelines 2026.
A changing role for pharmaceutical companies
The growing prominence of antimicrobial resistance in international policy frameworks suggests that the pharmaceutical industry will play an increasingly strategic role.
Beyond developing new medicines, companies are expected to contribute to:
- responsible antimicrobial stewardship
- sustainable manufacturing practices
- global access strategies.
As the One Health framework gains momentum, pharmaceutical innovation is likely to become more closely linked to broader public health objectives and environmental sustainability considerations.
For industry leaders, understanding these policy dynamics will be essential for navigating the evolving landscape of antimicrobial research, regulation and market access.
Sources
World Health Organization. Draft updated Global Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance 2026-2036
https://apps.who.int/gb/ebwha/pdf_files/EB158/B158_18-en.pdf
Italian Ministry of Health. Policy Guidelines 2026
https://www.salute.gov.it/new/sites/default/files/2026-01/Atto%20di%20indirizzo%202026_firmato%20Ministro.pdf
