As the world focuses on the World Antimicrobial Awareness Week to create greater public understanding of and action against antimicrobial resistance (AMR), Mongolia joined the cause under the theme of ‘Preventing Antimicrobial Resistance Together’.

On November 21, around 40 students from the Veterinary Faculty of University of Life Science and the Medical School of Mongolian National University of Medical Science came together for a WAAW youth event. The mixed group of students developed posters to raise awareness on antimicrobial resistance and to promote prudent use of antimicrobials for human, animal and environmental health. The event contributed to improved understanding of the One Health approach and its significance today and for the future.

During the event, lectures were held by professors from public and animal health sectors on antimicrobials followed by lively discussions. Students expressed their opinions and ideas on how to reduce the use of antimicrobials, control AMR and their role as future prescribers of drugs and medicines.

Within the theme ‘Preventing Antimicrobial Resistance Together’, the student event was co--organized by the General Authority of Veterinary Service, Medical Device Regulatory Agency, ACT Project and Livestock Commercialization Project implemented by FAO.

The World Antimicrobial Awareness Week will continue until November 24.  AMR is a critical and pressing challenge worldwide. Resistant antimicrobials can spread through the human population, animals and the environment, thus stronger multi-sectoral cooperation within the One Health approach is called for.