Speaking on 29 September 2021 at the opening of an FAO/OIE/WHO webinar entitled “One Health Approach to AMR Mitigation and Safer Food in the Asia-Pacific Region”, Codex Secretary Tom Heilandt said the tripartite One Health approach to mitigation of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and safer food was “the only approach that promises success”.

In highlighting the decisive moment for Codex and AMR he encouraged Codex Members to ramp up their efforts to complete the work of the AMR taskforce – due to begin on 4 October – on the revision of the code of practice to minimize and contain AMR and the guidelines on integrated surveillance. “They need to be completed and they need to be completed on time,” he said.

“We have come a long, hard way and we can complete this work. If Members come prepared, if they come with the willingness to compromise and move forward in the interest of all then we can fulfill our ambition and adopt both texts this year.”

In her opening address WHO Regional Director for South-East Asia, Poonam Khetrapal Singh emphasized how food systems are an increasing area of focus in the battle against AMR, with the misuse and overuse of antimicrobials in agriculture production a challenge not only for human and animal health but also for the environment.

“Together we must contribute to highlight the need for all stakeholders to adopt the One Health approach to increase the effectiveness of medicine and healthcare, improve food security and safety and accelerate progress towards the sustainable development goals,” she said.

The webinar concludes on 30 September and includes a session on Codex standard setting and the work of the AMR taskforce presented by Gracia Brisco of the Codex Secretariat.

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Codex work on AMR

Eighth session of the Ad hoc Codex Intergovernmental Task Force on Antimicrobial Resistance

Follow the webinar on YouTube

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©FAO/Luis Tato / FAO