Targeted Action and Financing the Fight Against Antimicrobial Resistance in Asia 2025

Conclusion Antimicrobial resistance is on track to become the deadliest health threat facing humanity. But with urgent action and targeted finance, over 100 million deaths could be prevented by 2050. AMR presents an urgent and significant risk to global public health, agriculture and food security. It contributes to the deaths of 4.71 million people every year, of whom well over one million people die as a direct result of AMR – as many as from HIV/AIDS and malaria combined. Left unchecked, it could claim more lives than cancer by 2050. AMR is not simply a concern for health professionals. Two-thirds of all antibiotics are used by farmers. Business owners – especially in sectors related to healthcare and food systems – also need to take action. The World Bank warns that unmitigated AMR could cost the global economy between 1.1% and 3.8% of annual GDP by mid-century. This report has focused mainly on the threat posed by AMR to countries in the Asia-Pacific, but the lessons learned have global application. There are opportunities – especially for philanthropic funders – to make a difference in a range of areas. The report proposes concurrent action on four tracks. Three sprints are needed: to educate clinicians, patients and farmers to improve their awareness of AMR and appropriate usage; to prevent the spread of AMR by strengthening health systems and services; and to improve monitoring through more effective surveillance and data sharing. The fourth track is a marathon – the multi-year quest to research, develop and scale-up new therapeutics to treat AMR. Most of the finance for this is currently focused on early-stage target and drug discovery. The challenge is to secure more resources to bridge the “valley of death” that promising, innovative drugs must pass through to ensure commercial production and widespread access. It could hardly be more urgent work – by 2050, it could save the lives of over 100 million people. The scale and urgency of the AMR crisis require bold and sustained investment from philanthropic funders and private capital. Targeted funding can accelerate progress in strengthening health systems, improving global surveillance and supporting innovative financing models that de- risk investment and enable the rapid scale-up of solutions. While this report highlights key challenges and opportunities, it also acknowledges potential gaps that can serve as starting points for future research and action. Funders have a critical opportunity to drive systemic change by fostering cross-sector collaboration and scaling up solutions that protect global health and economic stability. Now is the time to mobilize resources and collective action to prevent AMR from becoming the next global health catastrophe. Targeted Action and Financing the Fight Against Antimicrobial Resistance in Asia 40