The FAO-implemented and Republic of Korea-funded Action to support the implementation of Codex AMR texts (ACT) Project was featured at the 4th Global Conference on Foodborne Antimicrobial Resistance (GCFA), held in Seoul, Republic of Korea, on September 24–25, 2024.

At the conference opening, Yu Kyung Oh, Minister of Food and Drug Safety for the Republic of Korea, underscored the importance of the One Health approach, which links human, animal, and environmental health in tackling antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Minister Oh reiterated Korea's commitment to supporting global efforts in the fight against AMR.

Thanawat Tiensin, Assistant Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), also delivered a pre-recorded congratulatory address. He called for international collaboration to tackle AMR, a growing threat to global health, agriculture, and food systems. "FAO has played a key role in the fight against AMR," Tiensin stated, reaffirming the organization’s dedication to working with the Republic of Korea and other countries.

During the event, FAO presented its ongoing efforts to combat AMR through initiatives like the RENOFARM programme and the ACT Project. Daniela Battaglia, Livestock Production Officer at FAO, emphasized the importance of improving animal nutrition and feed practices to reduce antimicrobial use in animal production. Jorge Pinto Ferreira, Lead Technical Officer of the ACT project, discussed FAO’s work across agrifood systems, while Alejandro Dorado Garcia, FAO Animal Health Officer, introduced a FAO database for AMR monitoring, InFARM.

Talking about the ACT Project, Dr Choi, ACT Project Coordinator told delegates “Since its inception in 2021, the ACT Project has laid a strong foundation for advancing efforts to combat AMR. It contributes to capacity building not only at the country level but also regional and global levels.” During the GCFA Conference, Dr Choi showcased the "ACT Video," highlighting its impactful work in the Plurinational State of Bolivia.

The theme of the conference, "Global Cooperation and Solidarity to Combat Foodborne AMR," highlighted the necessity of a unified global response to this pressing issue. The event served as a crucial platform for sharing knowledge, experiences, and strategies among countries and stakeholders committed to containing foodborne AMR.

The two-day conference was organized into four sessions, each focusing on different aspects of AMR:

• Session I: Sharing strategies to tackle AMR in Asia and Pacific countries.
• Session II: Sharing of global strategies to contain AMR in animal and agricultural sectors.
• Session III: The latest technologies to contain AMR
• Session IV: Sharing of global efforts in various ways to reduce AMR.

The conference brings together diverse experiences from across sectors—human and animal health, as well as the food value chain” said Yeonkyu Lee, a participant in the conference.

For further details and access to the conference presentations, please visit the GCFA website.

Learn more

FAO AMR webpage
The 4th GCFA webpage
ACT video