The “Action to support implementation of Codex AMR Texts (ACT)” project is working with Bolivia, Cambodia, Colombia, Mongolia, Nepal, and Pakistan to support their efforts to minimize and contain foodborne antimicrobial resistance (AMR). World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW) 2022 provided an excellent opportunity to shine a spotlight on AMR and increase the awareness and engagement necessary to make progress.

Bolivia awarded AMR heroes, Colombia reviewed their plans

FAO Bolivia and the National Agricultural Health and Food Safety Service for the first time granted AMR hero awards to national researchers who had excelled in their efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance. The awards were received by Dr. Serafin Eduardo Mena Orozco, the founder of the Scientific Society of Veterinary Natural Medicine (for his research on natural products as alternative veterinary medicines), and Dr. Mena was recognized for his research work in the use of alternatives to antibiotics. Also, the country is discussing a proposal to modify the labelling regulations for veterinary products, which would include a sticker to be used on veterinary products to promote responsible use of antimicrobials.

FAO Colombia organized a range of activities to mark World Antimicrobial Awareness Week 2022, including an event led by the Colombian Agricultural Institute with 80 stakeholders from the public and private sectors to discuss the progress on implementation of the AMR National Action Plan (NAP) and introduce the ACT project and how it can support the aspects of NAP implementation over the next few years.

Countries in Asia focused on coverage in media and engaged with various stakeholders

In Cambodia, a high-level meeting noted that antibiotic use is high in the veterinary health sector and discussed how to address this through enhanced governance and good practices. A workshop with 100 students from the veterinary, agronomy and fisheries disciplines addressed responsible and prudent use of antimicrobials, also, how the ACT project can support the country.  

Mongolia used the opportunity of WAAW 2022 to hold its first meeting of the Multi-sectoral Coordination Committee on the AMR National Action Plan, bringing together representatives from the food and agriculture, public health and environmental sectors. Also, nearly 70 veterinarians from around the country attended an online meeting on antimicrobial resistance laboratory analysis and responsible use of antimicrobials. In addition, presentations on AMR were provided during the regional veterinary conferences, and for students from the Veterinary School and the Mongolian National University. FAO Mongolia organized a breakfast meeting with journalists to disseminate accurate information on the prudent use of antimicrobials in the livestock sector and the regulations of veterinary drugs in Mongolia, which was attended by over 20 media representatives. The Mongolian National TV broadcasted a program dedicated to AMR as part of the series called Healthy Animal, National Treasure.

FAO Nepal developed and distributed posters related to foodborne AMR around the country to raise awareness. They were displayed in key ministries responsible for addressing AMR including the Ministry of Health and Population, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, and the Department of Food Technology and Quality control.

To inform livestock farmers and the general public about the issue of AMR, Pakistan Radio featured a programme on the ACT project, where the project coordinator talked about how everyone could play a part to tackle the threat posed by AMR. In the interview with Sama News, a leading TV channel in Pakistan, the project coordinator highlighted FAO efforts to tackle AMR. FAO Pakistan conducted a seminar for private veterinary practitioners, where the participants were briefed on the role of laboratory testing and infection, prevention and control measures. Also, there was an international conference at the GC University Lahore, with more than 300 participants, where the FAO team presented the ongoing AMR work in the animal health sector and how to better engage the fisheries and aquaculture stakeholders. At the International Symposium on antimicrobial use in food animals at Bahauddin Zakariya University, students were introduced to the work that Pakistan will undertake to improve responsible use of antimicrobials, supported by the ACT project.

Read more about the “Action to support implementation of Codex AMR Texts (ACT)” project here: Implementation of Codex standards to support containment and reduction of foodborne antimicrobial resistance (AMR) (GCP/GLO/505/ROK) | Antimicrobial Resistance | Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (fao.org)