Reframing livestock antimicrobial use as a global public good

Global antimicrobial use in livestock is projected to increase by nearly 30% by 2040, accelerating antimicrobial and eroding antimicrobial effectiveness, one of humanity's most valuable health resources. The challenge is not only technical but structural, driven by governance and market failures that misalign private incentives with collective welfare. This perspective reframes antimicrobial effectiveness as a global public good, whose preservation depends on responsible use, enforceable governance, coordinated international action, and economic instruments that link local decisions with global consequences. Building on recent political momentum, the paper outlines a stewardship framework grounded in global public good theory. The framework highlights how global objectives can be aligned with national responsibilities through strengthened governance, market-based incentives, sustainable financing, and capacity building to support farm-level adoption.