The Antimicrobial (AMR) Governance and Financing team convened a two-day AMR Governance and Financing Summit 2026, held from 9th to 10th September 2026 at PrideInn Paradise Beach Resort, Shanzu, Mombasa. The summit brought together key stakeholders, policymakers, researchers, health sector leaders, development partners, and private sector representatives across the One Health sectors to examine sustainable approaches to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) governance and financing.
Held under the theme “Sustainable Governance and Financing for AMR Containment,” the conference provided a platform for high-level dialogue on strengthening Kenya’s response to AMR and building sustainable systems to address the growing threat. The meeting provided a platform for stakeholders to share experiences, identify key gaps and priorities, and explore strategies for strengthening coordination, accountability, and resource mobilization to support effective and sustainable AMR interventions.
AMR is a major global health and economic challenge, with projections indicating that antimicrobial resistance could contribute to millions of deaths annually by 2050 and significant economic losses if action is not accelerated. Against this backdrop, the conference focused on strengthening One Health approaches, advancing policy advocacy, mobilising sustainable financing and fostering strategic partnerships.
Opening the conference, speakers highlighted the need to move beyond recognising AMR as a health-sector issue and towards coordinated action across human health, animal health, agriculture, environment and finance.
Discussions explored the role of government, the private sector, development partners and policymakers in strengthening AMR governance and financing. Speakers examined opportunities to improve public financing, integrate AMR priorities into programme-based budgeting, strengthen health systems and develop innovative financing approaches.
The conference also highlighted the importance of engaging parliamentarians and decision-makers, strengthening public financial management systems, and building broader coalitions to sustain action against AMR.
The programme brought together perspectives from national and county governments, the private sector, development partners and regional and international AMR organisations.
Key discussions examined the regional state of AMR governance, private sector perspectives on financing, financing approaches for AMR programmes, and the role of development partners. Presentations also shared evidence on AMR and highlighted the importance of translating research findings into policy and practice.
A panel discussion further emphasised the need to regulate antibiotic access, invest in resilient health systems, diversify financing sources and strengthen collaboration across sectors.
The conference underscored that effective AMR governance must translate into decisions, action and accountability. Participants called for clearer roles across the One Health sectors, broader ownership of the AMR agenda and stronger engagement with decision-makers.
Participants also strongly called for diversified AMR containment financing and stronger public-private partnerships to complement government and development funding.
The conference concluded with a shared commitment to advancing practical, sustainable approaches to AMR governance and financing, while strengthening the partnerships needed to protect health systems and communities from the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance.