The AMR week (12-18 November) was celebrated across India with FAO and its partners.

AMR has a grave potential to damage the global economy, food security and the health of people. AMR annually kills about 700,000 people worldwide – a number that is projected to rise to 10 million by 2050. Most of these deaths will be in the developing world. The World Bank estimates that 28 million people are likely to be pushed into poverty as a direct consequence of AMR. Livestock production may be reduced by 7.5% throughout the world, thus damaging food security. Widespread resistant bacteria in animal populations will be a major obstacle to meeting the projected 60% increase in global meat requirements by 2020.

The possible solutions to contain AMR where veterinary sector needs to play an active role include discontinuation of use of antibiotics as animal growth promoters, rationalizing antimicrobial therapy of sick animals and promoting health and safe environment of animals. Containing AMR requires a comprehensive and integrated One Health approach with coordinated efforts by human health, veterinary and environment sectors through a whole-of-society initiative. Indeed, major roles are to be played by political, financial, technical, regulatory, programmatic, and education stakeholders representing both public and private sectors.

World Antibiotic Awareness Week (WAAW) is being observed at ICAR-CIFT Research Centre, Visakhapatnam. The significance of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) was explained to the under graduate (Fisheries) students from Kolkata who visited the research centre on 15th Nov, 2018.  They were informed that globally, AMR is responsible for 7,00,000 deaths annually and AMR containment requires ‘One health Approach’ that involves close collaboration between human, veterinary health and environment. The students were given a brief introduction of the INFAAR network.  The students were urged to act responsibly and become Antibiotic Guardians to Keep Antibiotics Working.

A Meeting of state veterinary officers and Scientists of ICAR Research Complex for NEH, Umiam were held at the State veterinary Directorate of Meghalaya on 14-11-2018 and 15-11-2018. Drivers of Antimicrobial resistance in animals were discussed. There was an interactive session with all the veterinarians followed by two presentations on the topic by Dr Sandeep Ghatak and Dr Arnab Sen. The proposal to create an interactive forum of field veterinarians with regard to stewardship of antibiotics used for treating livestock was approved.  A meeting and orientation regarding the same was proposed to be held on 21-22nd December 2018 at the ICAR Research Complex for NEH, Umiam. Emphasis was made on judicious and careful use of antimicrobials in treating livestock and poultry.

As a part of ‘World Antibiotic Awareness Week 2018’ celebration, ICAR-NIVEDI organized an awareness programme for the ICAR-NIVEDI staff on 12th November. The introduction on World Antibiotic Awareness Week was given by Dr. P. Krishnamoorthy, Senior Scientist. He addressed the gathering about the theme and purpose of World Antibiotic Awareness Week and also emphasized on the importance of need of awareness, to preserve the power of antibiotics through appropriate use.

The College of Veterinary Science & Animal husbandry in Dantiwada, Gujarat exhibited the promotional items prepared by FAO and had sessions on increasing awareness on issues related to AMR.