María de los Angeles Gatica is the regional coordinator for the Action to support implementation of Codex AMR texts (ACT) project, which helps countries contain foodborne antimicrobial resistance (AMR). She is one of the youngest project leaders across FAO. We spoke to her about her role and about what has motivated her to help the ACT project to its impressive successes so far.

Can you tell us about your personal background?

I grew up in a rural community on the outskirts of the city, surrounded by a large family and immersed in an environment dedicated to food production.

It was while I was studying veterinary medicine that I had the opportunity to work on antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a topic that was gaining traction in veterinary medicine, and that encompassed all my interests. This experience solidified my passion for public health and the role veterinary medicine could have in safeguarding it.

How did you become an advocate for foodborne AMR in the Latin America?

As I was nearing the completion of my veterinary medicine degree, I began working on AMR, specifically analyzing AMR in strains isolated from chicken meat. This initial exposure led to an internship opportunity at Ohio State University, where I gained insights into different realities and challenges.

Shortly after, I had the chance to participate in the first regional AMR project conducted by FAO. Around that time, WHO had recently called on its Member Countries to develop National Action Plans for AMR, and in Latin America, the development of this issue in the agricultural sector was still in its early stages.

Gradually, I deepened my understanding of the agricultural sector’s role in AMR and the importance of participating in containment initiatives. Additionally, working with organizations like FAO and witnessing the profound impact they can have on countries was incredibly inspiring.

Ultimately, my motivation is to contribute to the health of the population. By addressing the issue of foodborne AMR, I aim to ensure that communities have access to safe food, which is fundamental for public health. My work in this field is driven by the belief that preventing the spread of AMR not only protects individual health but also strengthens the overall resilience of our food systems. This commitment to public health inspires me to continue advocating for effective policies and practices that safeguard the health of people across Latin America.

Furthermore, having the opportunity to understand the working methods of organizations like FAO and the significant impact they can generate in countries has been a driving force in my advocacy. This experience has reinforced my commitment to addressing AMR and promoting food safety across Latin America.

Why is AMR important in your region? Could you please tell us the challenges in RLC in terms of foodborne AMR?

AMR is a global issue, and our region has gradually advanced in implementing National Action Plans and other activities to help contain it. In the food and agriculture sector, the Latin America and the Caribbean region has a unique characteristic: it is the world’s biggest net food exporting region. . This brings a significant responsibility to work towards sustainable agrifood systems, which includes implementing measures to reduce and contain AMR.

When FAO began working on AMR in the region, we observed that countries lacked the information needed to guide decision-making. Although significant progress has been made since then, many challenges remain. These include resource shortages for implementing measures, lack of coordination between and within institutions, the need for training in laboratories and personnel in the field, the recognition of the importance of AMR under the One Health approach, among others.

When we started the evaluation phase of the ACT project, one of the first challenges we faced was that many stakeholders were meeting for the first time with AMR representatives from other institutions. It was the first time they sat together to share their experiences on this topic. This novelty, combined with the technical nature of the discussions, highlighted the difficulty of gathering professional resources and acquiring supplies and materials in our region, where demands are numerous, significant, and urgent, leading to actions being prioritized based on each national reality.

As the project has progressed, we have seen how increased awareness and interest among various stakeholders have contributed to new and greater efforts to reduce the transmission of AMR through food. For example, producers are actively participating in discussions on how to implement good practices for the prudent and responsible use of antimicrobials. Laboratory personnel have worked hard to improve their techniques, and the importance of nationally generated data for science-based decision-making has been revealed. This collaborative and participatory work between the public and private sectors is crucial.

Through the ACT project, we have emphasized not only the impacts of AMR and the need for its management but also the importance of food as a pathway for AMR propagation and how each link in the production chain can take responsibility. AMR does not have a single solution; it requires a set of complementary actions, as defined by the Global Action Plan on AMR and the FAO Action Plan on AMR. In Latin America, this is precisely the approach that the ACT project has implemented. To date, it has focused on empowering and coordinating various actors in the food chain from both the public and private sectors to initiate actions based on their needs and resources. It has provided tools and guidelines to improve surveillance systems and presented options for enhancing practices related to antimicrobial use. All these actions will enable countries to continue their efforts in combating AMR.

As the project has progressed, we have seen how increased awareness and interest among various stakeholders have contributed to new and greater efforts to reduce the transmission of AMR through food

What has been the most impressive moment for you so far in the implementation of the Project?

I would like to mention two standout activities of the ACT project to date. The first is the formation of the Committee for the Containment of Antimicrobial Resistance in Agricultural Health and Food Safety (CC-RAM) in the Plurinational State of Bolivia. The second is the establishment of the Epidemiological Unit in Colombia.

The CC-RAM in the Plurinational State of Bolivia is a regional example of how the public and private sectors managed to organize and work together to contain AMR. Since WHO’s call for the preparation of National Action Plans for AMR, the Plurinational State of Bolivia has been working hard on preparing its plan, and an intersectoral committee to lead the activities. However, due to multiple difficulties, this has not been fully finalized to date. Recently, the public sector has focused more efforts on managing AMR, while the private sector has recognized the need for its active participation in addressing this issue and it is actually promoting activities.

The CC-RAM has gradually transformed into an open discussion space where each party has equal validity, and everyone seeks the same goal: identifying actions for AMR control from food production.

On the other hand, the Epidemiological Unit in Colombia focuses on AMR surveillance but also demonstrates something similar: the internal organization of an institution that has long worked in isolation. The Epidemiological Unit began fostering a collaborative workspace among the animal health, plant health, food safety, and epidemiology units. The work guidelines were discussed and agreed upon together, where the work of each unit converges on a single point: obtaining information that guides the institution’s decision-making and that of various stakeholders, meaning that data that is generated is put to good use. The Epidemiological Unit provides an extended purpose to the daily tasks of each involved party. It is not just about organizing sampling or processing laboratory samples; all this work converges on the country’s need for a reality-based guide that allows for AMR management orientation.

What inspires you about this role in the project?

As regional project coordinator for the ACT project in RLC, I am constantly inspired by the complexity and diversity of the countries we work with. Each country has unique needs and often limited resources to address them. Witnessing the culmination of months and years of hard work into sustainable outcomes is one of the most gratifying aspects of this role.

To reach this point, we had to evaluate the situation and collaboratively develop potential actions within the team. Each action is carefully analyzed to identify strengths and weaknesses. We then present these options to the country, empowering them to implement the chosen strategies. Our support ranges from coordination to technical assistance, ensuring that every step is meticulously planned and executed. Finally, seeing everything come together and integrating these activities into the country’s ongoing efforts is incredibly rewarding.

This process of overcoming challenges and achieving tangible results is what inspires me to persevere, even during the most difficult times. The ACT project exemplifies the power of collaboration and dedication, and it is an honour to contribute to such impactful work.

What would you say to a newcomer at FAO?

"Be patient." When I joined FAO, I initially felt that everything moved very slowly. However, after several years, I’ve seen many of the things I planned and worked on have come to fruition. Although the pace and processes may have changed since I first joined, the wisdom of patience remains the same.

What do you do in your free time?

I love plants and have a small terrace where I enjoy growing them, which brings me a lot of happiness. A few months ago, I bought some lettuce for dinner, and I planted the leftovers on my terrace. They rooted well and now provide fresh lettuce for my meals.

Even though I travel often and have limited time to take care of them, they continue to grow on their own—it's truly amazing.

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The ACT project