FAO: Working together towards responsible antimicrobial use

Antimicrobial Resistance or AMR is a global threat. An estimated 700,000 people die from resistant infections every year. The United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) is helping countries develop One Health National Action Plans on AMR for the responsible use of antimicrobials from farm to fork. Antimicrobials must be used responsibly in all sectors to keep them working. Changes in agricultural practices are essential for this to happen. Kenya’s AMR National Action Plan follows the One Health approach, prioritizing the prevention of infections to reduce the need for antimicrobials. Healthy animals, just like healthy people, don’t need antibiotics. Actions to improve hygiene, biosecurity and nutrition help to prevent infections.
Farmers need support to change their working practices and should be provided with information about the responsible use of antimicrobials and antibiotics. The overuse of antimicrobials speeds up resistance.
A group of health professionals called the the Bangladesh AMR Response Alliance (BARA) follows the One Health approach to develop new guidance for responsible antimicrobial use in humans and animals.
Professionals across the sector need to work together. National guidelines for prescribing and use of antimicrobials will help veterinarians and farmers. Denmark has reduced the use of antimicrobials through collaboration between farmers, veterinarians and national authorities.
It is essential to keep antibiotics working by using them only when needed. The use of antibiotics can be reduced through good management practices on farms. The UK’s University of Bristol has been promoting good management practices to reduce the need for antibiotics in farming in partnership with veterinarians who work at the Langford Practice in Bristol.
If everyone works together then it will be possible to stay ahead of antimicrobial resistance.

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