Combating antimicrobial resistance in plant and aquaculture sectors through One Health integration

Kadoma - Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is increasingly recognized as a critical challenge to global health and agrifood systems, threatening productivity, trade, and environmental integrity. While Zimbabwe has advanced AMR surveillance in human, animal, and environmental health, gaps remain in plant and aquaculture sectors, key areas for food security and economic growth. To address these gaps, the country is embracing the One Health approach, a collaborative model that unites all sectors to deliver coordinated and sustainable solutions against AMR.

Last week, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) with support from the One Health Secretariat, organized an orientation workshop held in Kadoma bringing together experts from the plant and aquaculture sectors to embed these domains into Zimbabwe’s national AMR surveillance framework. These sectors are critical to food production and trade, yet they lack robust systems for detecting and managing AMR risks.

The workshop objectives included orienting sector officers on Zimbabwe’s AMR situation and ongoing initiatives, strengthening understanding of the One Health approach across food and agriculture subsectors and reviewing surveillance objectives for plant and aquaculture in line with the 2024 – 2028 National Action Plan (NAP 2.0). The workshop culminated into developing draft surveillance protocols for integration into the national AMR system.

“AMR does not respect sector boundaries. By incorporating plant and aquaculture health systems into AMR surveillance strategy, we are closing critical gaps and ensuring a truly integrated One Health response,” said Tinashe Hodobo, the Animal Health focal point in the One Health Secretariat.

The two-day workshop was structured to combine technical presentations, group work, and protocol drafting sessions. The first day focused on AMR and One Health concepts, current surveillance structures, and gaps in plant and aquaculture systems. Participants engaged in situation analysis and integration planning. The second day focused on sampling protocols and action plans, culminating in presentations of draft outputs and a roadmap for implementation.

“Strengthening AMR surveillance in plant and aquaculture sectors is not only a national priority, but also a global imperative. This initiative positions Zimbabwe within international best practices and underscores FAO’s role in advancing the global One Health agenda,” said Kudzai Vhoko Tapesana, FAO’s National AMR Coordinator.

Alignment with NAP 2.0, future AMR and One Health strategic direction

The workshop outcomes directly support Zimbabwe’s National Action Plan on AMR (2024–2028), which calls for expanded surveillance and cross-sectoral collaboration. By integrating plant and aquaculture systems, the country is advancing toward a holistic AMR monitoring framework that safeguards food systems and public health.

“This engagement has opened our eyes to the role plants play in AMR dynamics. We are committed to implementing surveillance protocols that protect crops and consumers alike,” said Tinashe Runyanga, a representative from the plant health sector.

“Fish farming is vital for nutrition and livelihoods. By adopting AMR surveillance, we ensure sustainable production and prevent risks that could affect both markets and health,” added Robert Kamutambuko, an aquaculture representative.

Participants agreed on draft surveillance objectives and preliminary sampling protocols for both sectors. These will be refined and integrated into the national AMR surveillance system under the guidance of the One Health Secretariat. The workshop also strengthened linkages between sector representatives and national AMR coordination structures, paving the way for capacity building, resource mobilization, and data-driven decision-making.

As Zimbabwe moves forward, the inclusion of plant and aquaculture sectors marks a significant milestone in the fight against AMR, reinforcing the principle that health is interconnected across all domains of life.