Antimicrobial Resistance Threat, One Health Plans, and Administrative Capacity

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) presents a growing global threat that demands coordinated policy action across human, animal, and environmental health sectors. This commentary examines how national AMR action plans, particularly from the United States, Canada, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Saudi Arabia, and Ireland, reflect the principles of administrative capacity and core themes in public administration. Drawing on the framework developed by Joaquin and Greitens (2021), the analysis explores how the dimensions of problem‐solving, management, communication, accountability, and administrative conservatorship are addressed in the design and implementation of these plans. A shared emphasis on environmental surveillance, integrated laboratory networks, public engagement, and evidence‐based decision‐making demonstrates the increasing alignment with a One Health approach. Post‐COVID updates to AMR strategies show growing attention to environmental transmission pathways and a clearer articulation of mission across sectors. However, gaps in accountability, resource allocation, and coordination remain significant, particularly in low‐ and middle‐income countries. A recurring theme is the need to equip policymakers with reliable, actionable information. Although all five elements of administrative capacity are evident across the plans, problem‐solving and management capacity, especially in the operationalization of surveillance and data systems, emerge as the most critical to achieving stated AMR goals. Building these capacities is essential to translating strategic visions into meaningful, measurable outcomes in the global fight against AMR. Building resilient and effective AMR responses will require not only scientific and financial investment but also the administrative infrastructure necessary to support collaboration, transparency, and mission‐driven implementation across agencies and nations.