A major scientific conference focused on the critical challenge of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) was held at the Pasteur Institute of Iran on December 23, 2025. The one-day event, titled "Antimicrobial Resistance: Awareness and Necessity," brought together leading national experts, health managers, and international representatives to discuss strategies and solutions. The conference opened with an address by the institute’s Director General, who emphasized the urgent need for coordinated action. He was followed by Dr. Awad Mataria, the WHO Representative in Iran, who outlined the World Health Organization's framework and ongoing national programs aimed at curbing the rise of drug-resistant infections.

The first series of lectures covered the structural and scientific pillars of the national AMR response. Experts detailed the essential role of veterinary and environmental sectors in a comprehensive "One Health" strategy, which recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and ecosystem health. The session also explored the application of advanced genomic technologies for tracking and understanding resistance patterns. A subsequent session delved into innovative medical and communicative approaches. Topics included the potential of new treatments like phage therapy, the development of next-generation antibiotics, and the optimization of clinical laboratory diagnostics. Significant focus was placed on improving public awareness and education regarding the appropriate use of antibiotics to preserve their effectiveness.

A specialized panel was dedicated to examining the specific roles that healthcare settings and the broader environment play in the development and spread of resistant microbes. The conference concluded with a formal tribute honoring the lifelong contributions of Professor Mohammadreza Pourshafie (retired), from the Institute's Bacteriology department, acknowledging the foundation of expertise upon which current efforts are built. Overall, the conference served as a vital forum for aligning national efforts with global priorities, highlighting the need for sustained surveillance, responsible practices across multiple sectors, and continued research to mitigate one of the most pressing public health threats of our time.