@FAOGhana/David Youngs

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), has organised a two-day training workshop for some selected journalists from the Bono Region, to equip them with knowledge and understanding of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) issues for effective and accurate communication and reporting on AMR Farmer Field School (FFS) activities.

Antimicrobial resistance continues to pose threat to achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. Factors contributing to the occurrence and persistence of this menace include inappropriate use of antibiotics in the animal sector.

The FAO in collaboration with Ministry of Food and Agriculture is using Farmer Field School approach to carry out intervention strategy on behavior change in antimicrobial use (AMU) among poultry farmers. The lessons learnt from the FFS on prudent use of antimicrobials have to be shared with other farmers through the media. It is on this basis that the FAO organized this Media training to improve on their understanding of AMR and AMU, and communication skills to support the FFS and AMR control programme in Ghana. 

The Chief Veterinary Officer of Ghana, Dr. William Adu Kumah in his address at the opening of the training said among the most significant medical advances of the 20th century was the discovery of antimicrobial products and their use to fight infection and disease. Antimicrobials are powerful tools in the life-and-death fight against disease, and they provide life-saving support for animals and people worldwide.

“However with great power comes great responsibility. Antimicrobials must be used appropriately and responsibly. This is critical to preserve their effectiveness, protect animal and public health, and provide a safe food supply for both humans and animals”. He added.

The Deputy FAO Regional Representative for Africa and Country Representative to Ghana Jocelyn Brown Hall observed that there was the need to reach out to Farmers with little or no knowledge in AMR issues in order to minimize its negative impact on the larger society.

Jocelyn said the media is a close ally in the fight against Antimicrobial Resistance. The fight cannot be won without the media. It is therefore necessary to have such trainings from time to time to enhance their knowledge on the issues.

FAO is doing a lot more at the AMR front in the areas of AMR legislation, communication and awareness creation, AMR and AMU surveillance, as well as farm biosecurity. FAO will continue to collaborate with the Ghana Government and other stakeholders in all spheres to ensure food safety, good nutrition and food security for all.