The Gulf Center for Disease Prevention and Control (Gulf CDC) held the first meeting of the One Health Approach for Antimicrobial Resistance Working Group on Tuesday, 9 June 2026. The meeting brought together representatives from ministries of health and public health experts from across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.
The meeting aimed to review the current status of implementing the One Health approach to antimicrobial resistance in the Member States. Discussions covered national governance structures, regulatory frameworks, national action plans, surveillance systems, laboratory capacities, and coordination mechanisms among relevant sectors. These efforts seek to support the development of a unified Gulf framework for implementing the One Health approach across the GCC countries.
Participants also reviewed the key achievements, challenges, and technical needs of each Member State. They discussed future priorities and opportunities for regional cooperation, including strengthening integrated surveillance, exchanging expertise, building capacities, and supporting joint efforts to address antimicrobial resistance.
Antimicrobial resistance is recognised as a major global health challenge that requires coordinated action across the human health, animal health, environmental, and other relevant sectors.
The meeting concluded by emphasising the importance of strengthening ongoing coordination and cooperation among the Member States and continuing joint efforts with ministries and relevant entities to develop an integrated Gulf framework that supports the implementation of the One Health approach.
The framework will further strengthen regional efforts to reduce antimicrobial resistance, protect public health, and enhance the preparedness and resilience of health systems across the GCC countries.