Geneva, 11 January, 2021 - FAO, South Centre and United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) organized a webinar on “Advancing the One Health response to Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)”. The two hours webinar gathered over 140 participants from different organizations based in Geneva and worldwide. 

Speakers and Panelists for the webinar included representatives from FAO, OIE, WHO, UNEP, European Medicine Agency (EMA), Official representatives from Switzerland, Kenya and Thailand.  

The virtual meeting addressed the challenges of implementing the One Health approach at all levels to prevent and reduce the impact of AMR in human health, animal health and environment. Antimicrobial resistance can spread through the food chain and the environment therefore, understanding the role that food, agriculture and environmental sectors play is crucial in preventing infections and the further development and spread of AMR. In order to adequately address AMR, it is necessary to take a “One Health” approach with integrated actions across human, animal and environmental health sectors. 

Some of the key messages from the debate include the need to consider AMR as a Sustainable Development Agenda issue and the critical role AMR plays in supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Increasing awareness and better understanding of the aspects of antimicrobial use in the agriculture sector and particularly the dynamics and impact on the environment is also necessary in order to address AMR from a One Health perspective.

Focal point on AMR FAO Geneva: Julio Pinto, Animal Health Officer (One Health).

Email: [email protected]

Related Links:

Webinar: Advancing the One Health response to Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)

Learn more on FAO work on AMR here  

AMR Global Leaders Group