FAO Pakistan hosted a roadmap workshop to discuss priorities in addressing foodborne antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Islamabad, Pakistan, on 11 September 2023. The event took place under the “Action to support implementation of Codex AMR texts (ACT)” project, with more than 60 participants from Pakistan, the ACT project coordinators in Cambodia and Nepal, and the regional coordinator for Asia.

“This mission allowed all of those involved in the project to get a clear understanding of the current antimicrobial resistance and antimicrobial use situation in Pakistan from different perspectives, ranging from farmers to government policymakers. The meetings helped strengthen professional relationships among stakeholders, and I believe Pakistan and the region are now better prepared to face future challenges”, said Peter Flanagan, ACT Regional Coordinator.

Representatives from federal and provincial livestock and dairy development departments, national veterinary reference diagnostic laboratories, academia, the poultry industry, the private sector, food authorities and international organizations discussed the current situation and the next steps to be taken to control foodborne AMR in Pakistan.

“I was happy to see many stakeholders committed to taking action to reduce antimicrobial resistance and improve antimicrobial use practices in our country. Getting to know my colleagues from other ACT project countries was also helpful, as this allows us to support each other and make the most of our project resources", said Javaria Alam, ACT Project Coordinator in Pakistan.

In 2017, Pakistan developed its National Action Plan on AMR. However, there is no legislation or government authority overseeing surveillance of the imports and consumption of antimicrobials. It was discussedthat there are challenges related to veterinary support in Pakistan.

Florence Rolle, FAO Representative in Pakistan, in her opening remarks, noted that there is a need to make informed decisions today to ensure a good and healthy future for the upcoming generations. “Antimicrobial use and resistance data is critical to understand the current situation and make the right decisions”, said Rolle.

The participants agreed on the next steps in combating AMR in Pakistan. These actions encompass the implementation of AMR surveillance, participation in the International FAO Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring (InFARM) system, ongoing awareness campaigns, exploring alternatives to the use of antimicrobials as growth promoters, data sharing, and work on the legislation to promote the responsible and prudent use of antimicrobials. Furthermore, the ACT Project Coordinator in Pakistan is collaborating with the Ministry of National Food Security and Research to develop a new National Animal Health Legal Framework. This legislation will address various critical aspects such as prevention of infectious diseases, animal traceability, consumer safety, animal welfare, and regulating import and use of antimicrobials as growth promoters.

The ACT project works globally and locally to help countries prevent and control foodborne AMR through the implementation of Codex AMR texts, with a particular focus on the Plurinational State of Bolivia Cambodia, Colombia, Mongolia, Nepal, and Pakistan. Codex texts (international standards, guidelines, and codes of practice) outline the steps and policies that decision-makers should take to protect the health of consumers and ensure fair practices in the food trade.

Photo © FAO

Learn more

For more information about the ACT project, please visit: https://www.fao.org/antimicrobial-resistance/projects/ongoing/project-10/en/

To learn more about InFARM: https://www.fao.org/antimicrobial-resistance/resources/database/infarm/en/