GHTC Statement on the Okayama Declaration of the G20 Health Ministers Meeting

The Global Health Technologies Coalition (GHTC) is greatly encouraged that yesterday’s Okayama Declaration from G20 Health Ministers contains strong support for investing in research and development (R&D) initiatives to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and improve public health preparedness.

Global health R&D has consistently produced new advances that address major challenges facing the world today. That’s especially evident in the recent breakthroughs in fighting Ebola and drug-resistant tuberculosis. The G20 Health Ministers are sending an important signal that R&D continues to be critical for driving solutions to emerging threats. 

Drug-resistant infections alone would take 10 million lives by 2050 unless we move quickly to develop new solutions. Thus, we applaud the G20’s ongoing support for the Global AMR R&D Hub and continued investments in R&D for antimicrobials, diagnostics and vaccines. We’re also pleased to see GHTC member organization FIND recognized for its contributions in advancing diagnostics, which are essential for detecting, diagnosing and monitoring drug-resistant infections.

The health declaration from the G20 can provide much-needed direction and momentum for ongoing efforts to achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and particularly SDG3, which is aimed at ensuring healthy lives for all. We applaud the Health Ministers for the timely recognition that R&D will be critical for dealing with rising threats and creating a more just and equitable world.