On February 23, 2021, USAID and FAO organized an online training on the Backlink component of WHONET. Data management for antimicrobial resistance monitoring is facilitated through a free-to-download windows-based software WHONET. This software has been developed and continuously updated by the World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Centre. WHONET also has the capability to import data from several other software packages and convert it into WHONET files for data analysis.

Laboratory workers have been generally using automated machines for generating Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (AST) or analyzing their AST data in Excel files. USAID-FAO organized the online training course on use of the Backlink component of the WHONET software to facilitate analysis of this data through WHONET. The training was attended by 45 participants representing all INFAAR members. The training was imparted by Prof J Iravane, a recognized trainer in the application of WHONET in both animal and human health sectors, at state, national and international levels. The participants were trained using real data recorded in Excel files and also assured all post-training support by the trainer.

INFAAR members have been trained earlier through USAID-FAO organized trainings in use of the WHONET programme. Members have been using the programme and sharing data with network coordinators through this software.