Stemming the tide of Antimicrobial Resistance by investing in a One Health approach

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) and the World Health Organization (WHO), together form the Tripartite on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). The Tripartite, in partnership with the European Commission, held a special InfoPoint Conference to raise awareness on the urgency of tackling AMR, arguably one of the most complex threats to global health security.

The session organized during the World Antimicrobial Awareness Week was hosted by the European Commission Directorate-General for International Cooperation and Development and aimed at highlighting the ways in which the EU and the Tripartite are taking action to combat AMR at the global, regional and country levels.

The event was opened by Deputy Director-General of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for International Cooperation and Development (DG DEVCO) Marjeta Jager, and Deputy Director-General of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety, Claire Bury.

In her remarks, Jager noted the European Union’s strong commitment to eliminating AMR across the globe, saying, “All nations need to strengthen their work on the One Health Approach.”

Bury highlighted the burden which AMR places on society. She called for a more prudent use of Antimicrobials, saying, “COVID-19 has shown us the massive impact of a health emergency. The time to act on AMR is now.”

FAO Deputy Director-General Maria Helena Semedo described the Tripartite’s strong partnership with the European Commission on AMR issues across the globe but particularly in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Paraguay, Peru and Uruguay, where the partners are working to address AMR through the implementation of National Action Plans using a One Health Approach.

OIE Deputy Director General for International Standards and Science, Matthew Stone, added to the Semedo’s comments by highlighting the unique position of the Tripartite to support a holistic, multi-sectoral approach to this challenge, while WHO Assistant Director-General Hanan Balkhy said, “We should not allow this silent pandemic to grow any further.”

Other speakers included FAO Chief Veterinarian, Keith Sumption; Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport Senior Advisor Rosa Peran, and WHO Director of Global Coordination and Partnership Haileyesus Getahun.

The recording of the event is available here.