Her role will include advocating for AMR control across the region, engaging partners, contributing to strategic discussions at regional and global levels, and chairing the Independent Expert Group for the AMR Accountability Index in 2026. 

“A world that loses antibiotics is a world without modern medicine. Surgery, cancer treatment, organ transplants – none of it functions without drugs that work,” says Dr Hans Kluge, WHO/Europe Regional Director. “Malin Grape joins us at a moment when the stakes could not be higher, and I am confident she will help us rise to the challenge. She brings scientific rigour, diplomatic experience and genuine commitment to this role. Among her priorities will be leading the development of an AMR Accountability Index, a first-of-its-kind tool that has the potential to fundamentally change how the WHO European Region measures and drives progress against AMR. I look forward to the contribution she will make in this critical area.”

Malin Grape

Malin Grape has previously served as Sweden’s Ambassador on AMR and has extensive experience of international cooperation in this field. She has represented Sweden at European, WHO and other international forums, and has been an important voice in strengthening global work against antimicrobial resistance. She is a pharmacist with a research background and a doctoral thesis in the field of antibiotic resistance.

Announcing the appointment today at the One Health Summit in Lyon, France, Jakob Forssmed, Sweden’s Minister for Health and Social Affairs noted that it will “strengthen our shared commitment to tackling AMR and advancing the One Health approach across the WHO European Region.”  

The part-time position is funded by Sweden. The country has long championed international cooperation to address AMR as a cross-border and intersectoral threat to human and animal health.