World Health Organization resolution WHA67.25 'Combating antimicrobial resistance including antibiotic resistance' urges member states 'to develop or strengthen national plans, strategies and international collaboration for the containment of antimicrobial resistance'. Such calls have been heard before. What is different this time, how do we break the mould to ensure that significant international change occurs, and how is South Africa positioning itself to respond to the call? This editorial looks at ways to approach the problem.