Advancing the One Health response to Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)

Webinar jointly organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), The South Centre and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

Date: Monday 11 January 2021

Time: 14:00 – 16:00 CET

Concept note and Program

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a significant global health problem. The increasing resistance to current antimicrobials (antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, and antiparasitics) is rendering these crucial products ineffective for treatment. The wide range of resistant infections, with decreasing treatment options, is leading to increased morbidity and mortality.

Antimicrobial resistance can spread through the food chain and the environment. Therefore, understanding the role that food, agriculture and environmental sectors play in AMR 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. Ultimately, tackling AMR is a Sustainable Development Agenda issue and will be critical in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Increasing awareness and understanding of the aspects of antimicrobial use in the agriculture sector and their impact on the environment are necessary in order to address AMR from a One Health perspective.

The current COVID-19 pandemic has shown the critical linkages between the human and animal interface and the need to strengthen health systems and surveillance for humans, animals, and the environment. COVID-19 has also highlighted the importance of looking at the emergence of zoonotic diseases including infections caused by resistant pathogens and therefore the importance of preventing infectious diseases, protecting biodiversity and encouraging agricultural practices that rely on the prudent use of antimicrobials.

Objectives:

• Raise awareness and communicate the importance of the One Health approach in addressing AMR
• Share good policy practices to mitigate the threat of AMR by reducing the use of antimicrobials in agricultural systems and the environment
• Identify the links and contribution of work on AMR with SDGs
• Highlight the importance of the four UN sister organizations working together – each has an individual and a collective mandate to coordinate efforts to address AMR
• Showcase examples that address AMR from a One Health perspective that are taking place regionally, or in country