QU Dongyu underlines the importance of prevention in response to Antimicrobial Resistance in agrifood systems

Rome – FAO Director-General QU Dongyu today highlighted the urgent nature of the challenge posed by Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) stressing the critical need for coordinated cross-sectoral action. 

"The underuse, misuse and overuse of antimicrobials in both human and across agrifood sectors intensify AMR threats, affecting low- and middle-income countries most,"  QU said in his opening remarks at the high-level side event “Accelerating One Health Action on Antimicrobial Resistance in Agrifood Systems" during the 175th Session of the FAO Council.

The event was organized by Kenya and the United Kingdom, acting as co-chairs of the Group of Friends on Tackling AMR in Rome, in partnership with the AMR Multi-Stakeholder Partnership Platform.

Kipronoh Ronoh, Principal Secretary, State Department for Crops Development, Kenya and H.E. Evelyn Ashton-Griffiths, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the United Kingdom to FAO, joined Qu in the opening remarks, sharing their countries’ experiences in AMR and called for joint global advocacy to address the issue. Christine Middlemiss, the United Kingdom’s Chief Veterinary Officer and member of the Steering Committee of the AMR Partnership Platform was also among the high-level speakers and provided practical insights on successful strategies for the reduction of AMR in animal health sector based on her country’s experience.

Emphasizing a comprehensive approach, the FAO Director-General stated: "Prevention is the cornerstone of our response to AMR. A holistic transformation across human, animal, plant, and environmental health sectors is essential." 

Qu outlined critical strategies to achieve this transformation, focusing on ensuring access to antimicrobials when necessary and promoting sustainable practices. "First, we need to ensure access to high quality antimicrobials when they are needed, second, we should promote sustainable practices that protect public health and the environment, while improving livestock productivity,” he said.

Qu noted that by improving good animal husbandry practices, animal nutrition, vaccination, hygiene measures, and increasing the use of alternatives to antimicrobials, among others, we can increase the health of animals and reduce the incidence of disease, minimize reliance on antimicrobials, as well as promote more sustainable livestock systems.

The Director-General underscored the importance of FAO’s "Global Initiative to Reduce the Need for Antimicrobials on Farms for Sustainable Agrifood Systems Transformation." This initiative will support over 100 countries with tools and knowledge to reduce antimicrobial use, guided by a holistic, action-oriented, and country-led One Health approach.

Qu explained that central to this initiative is the "5 Gs" framework, which includes:

1. Good Health Services 

2. Good Production Practices 

3. Good Alternatives 

4. Good Connections

5. Good Incentives

In addition, the Director-General referred to upcoming events that will further support sustainable livestock transformation. In follow-up to the Global Conference on Sustainable Livestock Transformation held in 2023, FAO will host the first-ever Global Conference on Animal Health Innovation, Reference Centres and Vaccines in September 2024.  “It will be an important opportunity to share innovations and technologies that improve animal health for Sustainable Livestock Transformation,” he noted.

In November, in parallel with the 4th High-Level Ministerial Conference on AMR in Saudi Arabia, the AMR Multi-Stakeholder Partnership Platform will organize the 2nd Plenary Assembly to plan the implementation of commitments made at the UN General Assembly and the Ministerial Conference.