From 20-23 January 2025, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) organized two key events in Kochi, Kerala, to enhance antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance and laboratory network in India.

From 20-22 January 2025, FAO conducted a training on the FAO Assessment Tool for Laboratories and AMR Surveillance Systems (FAO ATLASS) to strengthen AMR surveillance in alignment with FAO’s global action plan. The training aimed to develop a team of skilled national ATLASS assessors, equipping them to lead AMR surveillance efforts at the national level. With over 35 participants, the session fostered collaboration and built a cohesive network of national assessors to ensure standardized and effective AMR surveillance across sectors.

On 23 January 2025, FAO convened the first Laboratory Network Meeting with members of the Indian Network for Fisheries and Animal Antimicrobial Resistance (INFAAR), WHO, and UNEP. Supported by the EU AMR Tripartite project, the meeting provided a platform to identify common gaps and needs in AMR laboratory capacity across human, animal, and environmental health sectors. Discussions also explored the need for a national multisectoral laboratory network, its potential roles, and avenues for collaboration and support. With 22 participants in attendance, the meeting resulted in key recommendations for strengthening coordination and collaboration in multisectoral AMR laboratory networking in India.

These initiatives mark significant progress in India’s AMR surveillance and laboratory coordination efforts, reinforcing FAO’s commitment to a One Health approach in addressing AMR challenges.