World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week (WAAW) takes centre stage around the world from 18 to 24 November of every year. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) organized a series of events aimed to increase awareness of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Mongolia. Veterinary specialists, veterinarians, scientists, journalists, and university and high school students were engaged in WAAW activities. In addition, a compelling comic book, titled "Recommendations from a smart goat" was produced to improve the understanding of private veterinarians and herders about the correct and responsible use of veterinary drugs.

WAAW commenced in Mongolia with a media information-sharing event with the participation of 20 journalists. Insights on AMR prevention and government interventions were shared while stressing the significance of media engagement in public awareness raising.

Moreover, during a conference on "Veterinary services, scientific achievements, and development trends”, veterinary scientists and other representatives from academia discussed AMR in theory and practice.

To enhance AMR knowledge of veterinarians, online meeting and discussion was held in collaboration with the General Authority for Veterinary Service, engaging over 130 local veterinarians. The participants discussed the prudent use of antimicrobial veterinary drugs and the implementation of the National Action Plan of AMR 2022-2025.

In relation to WAAW, a competition among students at the Veterinary School of the Mongolian University of Life Sciences was organized on the theme of "Who Knows AMR Best," with the active involvement of around 250 students. Through teamwork and creative five-minute role plays, students strengthened their knowledge of AMR in humans, animals, and the environment, preventive measures and responsible drug prescription.

In parallel, the "One Health – Antimicrobial Resistance" event drew over 120 high school students. The high schoolers rotated through four stations: Science, Human Health, Animal Health, and One Health. At these stations, specialists in biology, human health, and veterinary sectors introduced the global issue of AMR and responsible antimicrobial use, utilizing posters, simple dialogues and a participatory approach. Influencers were invited to the event and they engaged with students and shared information on their social media accounts.

These events were impactful in disseminating information about the prudent use of antimicrobials and raising public awareness on the interconnectedness of health of humans, animals, and the environment.

The WAAW activities were organized by projects implemented by FAO, namely the “Livestock Commercialization” project financed by the World Bank, the “One Health approach to manage AMR and AMU” project financed by the Multi-Partner Trust Fund, and the "Action to support implementation of Codex AMR texts " (ACT) project.