U.S. Embassy in Singapore

September 21, 2021

Virtual TCTP Antimicrobial Resistance Workshop

Thank you for the opportunity to speak with you today as we begin a globally significant workshop, focused on antimicrobial resistance.

I would like to take the time to recognize the efforts of my U.S. and Singaporean counterparts who have been excellent partners in making this program successful. We couldn’t do it without you.  Even as your respective agencies have been working to address the challenges presented since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, you have ensured the continuation of technical knowledge across borders.

We also thank this workshop’s knowledgeable speakers and participants who approach this topic from a multitude of directions across the region and beyond. Each of their unique perspectives and experiences has enriched the training, and we look forward to their continued participation in our next health-related trainings.

As you might have heard, we had a very important visitor to Singapore last month – Vice President Kamala Harris.

During her visit, the Vice President and PM Lee Hsien Loong to underscored the importance of advancing health security and preparing for the next pandemic.

After the visit, the United States and Singapore committed to redoubling joint efforts, including through disease surveillance and clinical research.

We also committed to tracking COVID-19 variants and emergent diseases to strengthen regional preparedness.

Finally, we committed to deepening collaborative research on COVID-19 treatments and the prevention of future infections and disease outbreaks.

For this reason, antimicrobial resistance is a priority topic for the Third Country Training Program and for many of our nations as we all overcome numerous challenges and carve out various test beds of innovation in the health sector.

After this technical training and policy engagement, we hope that your experience will help you plan for future challenges – both known and unknown – as you join the much-needed group of  professionals working on health issues worldwide.

However, our cooperation on developing antimicrobial resistance does not stop here. It also continues with all of you.

I would encourage you to please remember what you learned this week and carry these ideas with you throughout your career.

Last, but not least, I hope you have seen just how easy it is to reach out to your colleagues across the region and keep in touch.

So, a big thank you to all, and on behalf of the U.S. government, we wish you all the best. Thank you.