FAO unveils new e-learning introductory course on antimicrobial resistance
Antimicrobials are essential drugs for treating infectious diseases that affect humans, animals, and plants. They are one of farming’s most crucial tools to treat infections. Without them, food production will be reduced. This means less income for vulnerable families, as well as reduced food security and nutrition.
However, the misuse and overuse of antimicrobials is a major concern for the emergence and spread of antimicrobial-resistant micro-organisms. Due to antimicrobial resistance (AMR), drug-resistant infections are placing an ever-increasing burden on human, animal, plant health, and the environment. Therefore, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has launched an e-learning course on understanding AMR in food and agriculture to explain its impact on agrifood systems and learn about FAO’s work in addressing AMR through a One Health approach.
The Global Research on Antimicrobial Resistance report on the global burden of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has shown that around five million human deaths were associated with AMR in 2019. It is crucial toaccelerateefforts across sectors to preserve antimicrobials as lifesaving medicines for future generations.
Keep animals healthy and in good welfare
The availability of effective antimicrobials is essential for the health and welfare of animals and crop production. The course will highlight the impact of AMR on food safety, food security and the economic wellbeing of millions of farming households. It will also explain the potential role that agrifood systems stakeholders have in AMR mitigation.
The virtual training consists of five lessons, ranging from approximately 30 to 40 minutes duration each:
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What is AMR antimicrobial resistance and why is it a global public health challenge
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AMR in the context of One Health
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The role of food and agriculture stakeholders in AMR
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How can AMR be contained, and its impacts minimized in food and agriculture?
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The role and current initiatives of FAO in tackling AMR
After completing this course, learners will receive a digital certification from the FAO e-learning Centre. Badges can be displayed wherever earners want them on the web. They can be shared for employment or educational purposes.
FAO developed this course in collaboration with the FAO Reference Centre for AMR in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. In addition, the other FAO Reference Centres for AMR contributed to the development of the course by providing the technical review.