Press Release
Phnom Penh: Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is one of the fastest growing threats to global health, food security, and development today. The world faces a severe problem of misuse of antibiotics in humans and animals, which is accelerating the spread of resistance. The AMR causes difficulties in treating common infectious disease, such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, and salmonellosis. In other words, it leads to higher medical costs, prolonged hospital stays, and increased mortality. In the absence of interventions, AMR-associated human mortality is projected to soar from a current rate of 700,000 to over 10 million annually by 2050. Asia is expected to account for half of this projected global mortality.
The world celebrates the Antibiotic Awareness Week under the theme “seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional before taking antibiotics,” from 13-19 November. Cambodia joins the celebration focusing on the “Infection, Prevention and Control.”
In this regard, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in Cambodia (FAO) and the Royal University of Agriculture (RUA) in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) and the Ministry of Health (MoH) are organizing Young Professionals and Private Sector Meetings, at The Royal University of Agriculture (RUA) on 14 November. The event is organized for young professionals in the field of medicine, pharmacology, veterinary medicine, animal production and fish farming. It aims to improve awareness of AMR and the linkages with and between antimicrobials used in humans, animals and plants; increase the understanding of infection prevention as a method to mitigate AMR; and, share knowledge on AMR governance at country level, regionally and globally. Kristina Osbjer, Team leader of the FAO Emergency Centre for Transboundary Animal Diseases (ECTAD) in Cambodia, explained that spread of AMR is accelerated by the misuse and overuse of antimicrobials, as well as poor infection prevention and control. She said that everyone has a role to take to alleviate the risk and reduce AMR spread. She added that “FAO is working closely with WHO and the Government of Cambodia to strengthen the One Health AMR approach.” A multi-sectoral approach to address AMR is needed to address its impact on the health of humans, animals, and the environment. FAO is working to address AMR by increasing capacity in communication, cooperation, and collaboration across our communities of practice. For further information or interview, please contact:
1. Ms. Tet Chann, Communication Officer FAO Representation Tell: 011 276 775 Email: [email protected]
2. Ms. Seng Sokerya, National Project Coordinator on Antimicrobial Resistance Emergency Center for Transboundary Animal Diseases Tell: 012 717 041 Email: [email protected]