Edition: 20 November to 1 December 2023
WORLD ANTIMICROBIAL AWARENESS WEEK 2023
In a celebration of collective efforts to tackle antimicrobial resistance (AMR), Member Nations in the Asia-Pacific region came together during the 2023 World AMR Awareness Week (WAAW). The week showcased collaborative efforts to tackle AMR, from engaging workshops to awareness campaigns. Let's take a closer look at the lively events that unfolded at both regional and national levels, including Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Nepal and the Philippines where diverse stakeholders joined hands under the theme "Preventing antimicrobial resistance together." | |
 ©fao/Thanaporn Wiboonpote | The FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific concluded a successful Regional AMR Technical Advisory Group meeting on 29 to 30 November 2023. Supported by USAID, the workshops gathered 67 representatives from countries, AMR experts and partners for discussions on enhancing AMR surveillance efforts in the region. Additionally, two regional guidelines on AMR monitoring and surveillance were launched in collaboration with Singapore’s National Parks Board and Food Agency, as well as the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH). FAO also congratulated Chulalongkorn University on its redesignation as an FAO Reference Centre for Antimicrobial Resistance (2023-2027) and reiterated its commitment to collaborative initiatives, including advocacy, capacity building and surveillance enhancement. |
 ©fao/Domingo Caro III | The Regional Office also organized the regional workshop on AMR data management, analysis and reporting on 27-28 November 2023. This training-workshop aimed to foster collaboration on enhance AMR data practices, share regional findings, introduce surveillance tools and plan for improved cooperation in the future. The training-workshop event brought together 12 participants from Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Viet Nam, along with representatives from FAO AMR Reference Centre (Chulalongkorn University) and FAO headquarters, regional office and country offices (Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, the Philippines and Viet Nam). |
 ©fao/Asif Jilani | In Bangladesh, FAO and Bangladesh AMR Response Alliance (BARA), conducted various engaging activities, including sensitization workshops, an interactive quiz competition and the distribution of awareness posters on the rational use of antibiotics. The week aimed to raise awareness about AMR among veterinary and medical students in Dhaka and Chattogram, fostering a collaborative spirit to combat this global health threat. Thanks to USAID and Fleming Fund for the funding support. |
 ©fao Cambodia | In Cambodia, the WAAW 2023 was celebrated with style as FAO, key ministries, the Institute of Technology of Cambodia and One Health University Network jointly organized events in Phnom Penh and Prey Veng. More than 350 students participated in these festivities, engaging in activities that promoted awareness and understanding of AMR thanks to the Republic of Korea and Fleming Fund through the Codex AMR Texts. |
 ©fao/Dipesh Solanki | India embraced the festive spirit of WAAW 2023 with a series of activities organized by FAO. These included an interactive workshop in New Delhi for students aged 14-16, featuring presentations, slogan writing and quiz competitions. The festivities aimed to educate and involve the younger generation while addressing the multi-dimensional aspects of AMR. Furthermore, a workshop in Delhi titled "Preventing AMR through a One Health approach" engaged participants in discussions on various aspects of AMR. Read the op-ed on AMR status in India and FAO's role here. |
 ©fao/Eko Prianto | Indonesia marked the WAAW 2023 with a seminar titled "Preventing the Silent Pandemic of AMR Together." Hosted by FAO in collaboration with key ministries and agencies, the event aimed to enhance understanding and awareness of AMR as a silent pandemic. The participation of the Minister of Coordinating Ministry of Human Development and Cultural Affairs added significance to the occasion. The seminar emphasized the importance of wise and responsible antimicrobial use, resonating with the festive spirit of the multi-sector awareness week. |
 ©fao Lao People’s Democratic Republic | Lao People’s Democratic Republic embraced the festive spirit of the WAAW 2023 with a national press conference organized by the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. UN agencies, including FAO and WHO and the Merieux Foundation, supported the campaign. The event highlighted the dangers posed by AMR, emphasizing a collaborative approach. This festive initiative aimed to raise awareness about the global threat of AMR significantly. Read more about the event here. |
 ©fao/Surendra karki | Nepal joined the celebrations of WAAW 2023 with a series of engaging events by FAO through USAID funding. The initiative included a rally featuring AMR awareness slogans, laboratory clinical interface workshops and awareness programmes. Nearly 150 veterinarians, animal health and public health sector representatives and agro vets actively contributed to these events. These activities aimed to foster a sense of collective responsibility and awareness to combat AMR through One Health. |
 ©fao/Jashmin Apelo | The Philippines commemorated the WAAW 2023 by partnering with the Inter-agency Committee on AMR (ICAMR). The multisectoral culminating activity included a high-level media forum, a scientific poster competition and renewed commitments from government agencies and stakeholders to combat AMR. Thanks to USAID and Fleming Fund for the funding support. Moreover, FAO, ICAMR and the Ateneo Center for Research Institute (ACRI) discussed the Philippine National Action Plan on AMR (PNAP) on 24 November 2023. The activity, set to commence in the first quarter of 2024, aims to develop an inclusive and multisectoral One Health approach to address AMR, supported by various FAO projects in the Philippines, such as USAID, Fleming Fund and the European Union. |
Learn more about our AMR work here.
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PARTNERSHIPS
 ©fao | ASIA AND THE PACIFIC Southeast Asian countries strengthen regional animal health resilience through standardized evaluations
FAO organized workshops for the Southeast Asia veterinary epidemiology group and laboratory director’s forum through the Strengthening Mechanisms in Animal-health for a Resilient ASEAN (SMART-ASEAN) project from 20 to 23 November 2023. Hosted by Indonesia and with support from Thailand and funding from the the Australian Government through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), the event aimed to enhance the epidemiology, surveillance, early warning and laboratory capacities of Southeast Asian countries. Attendees included Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Viet Nam. |
 ©fao MYANMAR | MYANMAR AND ASIA AND THE PACIFIC Improving food safety on poultry products FAO and USAID are actively supporting Myanmar in enhancing food safety, particularly in the poultry industry. In November 2023, FAO, in partnership with the Myanmar Livestock Federation, organized a two-day workshop aimed at encouraging key stakeholders to ensure the production of safe and hygienic meat and value-added poultry products. This workshop, part of ongoing efforts, gathered participants from various sectors of the Myanmar poultry industry, building on previous initiatives such as workshops for milk and milk products, meat inspection training and support for antibiotic-free egg production among private poultry farmers. |
 ©fao/Jashmin Apelo | THE PHILIPPINES AND ASIA AND THE PACIFIC The Philippine Animal Health Congress 2023 The Philippine Animal Health Congress, organized on 20-24 November 2023, aimed to address challenges in the country's animal health sector. Organized by the Department of Agriculture with support from FAO and USAID, the Congress, themed "Safeguarding animal health, enhancing our world," gathered veterinarians, health workers and stakeholders to discuss ongoing developments and innovations against transboundary animal diseases. FAO ECTAD Regional Manager Kachen Wongsathapornchai delivered welcome remarks highlighting the importance of strengthening animal health systems, particularly challenges like the recent African swine fever outbreaks. |
 ©fao/Bryan Langbayan | THE PHILIPPINES AND ASIA AND THE PACIFIC FAO Philippines’ ECTAD office inauguration On 21 November 2023, the FAO Philippines’ ECTAD office was inaugurated through a partnership between FAO and USAID. Kachen Wongsathapornchai, FAO ECTAD Regional Manager, emphasized the crucial role of the agriculture and livestock sector in the Philippines' economy while addressing challenges such as zoonoses, infectious diseases and AMR. The newly established ECTAD Philippines, located at the Bureau of Animal Industry in Quezon City, is working to strengthen capacities and build a resilient and sustainable animal health system. The inauguration event involved commitments from partners to collaborate on preventing, preparing for and responding to animal health threats through a One Health approach. |
 ©fao/Kachen Wongsathapornchai | ASIA AND THE PACIFIC Participation at the Thai Veterinary Medical Association annual conference |
Learn more about our partnerships here.
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AFRICAN SWINE FEVER (ASF)
d42b0ec5-b49f-4471-b2c5-9bfa7003135e.jpg?sfvrsn=e61e9a5b_1) ©fao cambodia | CAMBODIA AND ASIA AND THE PACIFIC Regional training on the ASF outbreak management Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) From 23 to 24 November 2023, FAO, in collaboration with the General Directorate of Animal Health and Production (GDAHP), conducted a regional training workshop on ASF outbreak management SOP for four provincial offices in Cambodia. Supported by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs of Republic of Korea (MAFRA ROK), the workshop aimed to ensure proper use of ASF SOP for efficient responses to outbreaks. A representative from USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA) also participated in the training. |
.jpg?sfvrsn=9464dbaf_1) ©FAO Cambodia | CAMBODIA AND ASIA AND THE PACIFIC ASF prevention and control in smallholder settings in Cambodia From 21 to 22 November 2023, FAO and GDAHP jointly organized four ASF community forums in Banteay Srey and Pouk districts. The events, attended by 160 participants, including pig raisers, village animal health workers (VAHW), village chiefs, commune agriculture officers, commune council members, district agriculture officers, district veterinarians and provincial offices of animal health and production, aimed to address ASF concerns. Representative from USAID’s BHA was also present. |
 ©FAO/Soubanh Silithammavong | LAO PEOPLE’S DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC Community ASF Biosecurity Intervention In Xayabouri Province, FAO collaborated with the Department of Livestock and Fisheries (DLF) of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry to implement the Community ASF Biosecurity Intervention (CABI). Supported by MAFRA ROK, the initiative targeted backyard pig farmers, with site visits assessing the feasibility of CABI. The concept was introduced during field missions, fostering co-creation engagement with local agricultural officers, village chiefs and swine farmers. |
 ©FAO/SOUBANH SILITHAMMAVONG | LAO PEOPLE’S DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC Training to combat ASF at district level District-level animal health officers underwent ASF prevention and control training from April 2022 to August 2023, supported by MAFRA ROK, and facilitated by FAO. With technical assistance, the DLF trained a total of 353 participants from 148 districts across 18 provinces across Lao People’s Democratic Republic. The training was co-chaired by key officials, including the Deputy Director-General of the DLF and the Deputy Director of Vientiane Provincial of Agriculture and Forestry Office. |
Learn more about our work on ASF here.
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ONE HEALTH
 ©FAO/Humayra Nowrin | BANGLADESH Workshop on Bangladesh One Health strategic framework and One Health investment plan The One Health Secretariat (OHS) in Bangladesh conducted a two-day workshop in Dhaka on 27-28 November 2023, facilitated by FAO and funded by the World Bank and USAID. The workshop aimed to update Bangladesh's One Health strategic framework and develop an investment plan. With the goal of aligning with the Quadripartite Joint Plan of Action (2022-2026), participants reviewed the previous strategic framework (2017-2021), identified goals, outcomes, priorities and action tracks, and assessed achievements and gaps. |
 ©FAO Lao PDR | LAO PEOPLE’S DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC Lao PDR and FAO join forces to drive sustainable livestock transformation DLF under the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, supported by FAO, organized the National Dialogue on Investment in Sustainable Livestock Transformation in Lao People’s Democratic Republic from 6 to 7 November 2023. The dialogue aimed to address the challenges and opportunities for promoting investment in transforming the sustainable livestock sector. It was attended by representatives from various ministries, both at national and provincial levels. Read more about the event here. |
 ©FAO/Michelle Balbin | THE PHILIPPINES AND ASIA AND THE PACIFIC Joint Risk Assessment workshop on henipavirus In Manila, a Joint Risk Assessment (JRA) workshop on henipavirus took place from 28 to 30 November 2023, led by the Philippines Interagency Committee on Zoonoses and supported by USAID. FAO, WHO headquarters and WOAH regional office provided virtual training to local facilitators on 17 November 2023. With over 70 participants from human health, animal health and the environment sectors from the national level and regional levels, the workshop utilized the Tripartite JRA Operational Tool to develop risk communication and management options and plans for selected technical areas. |
 ©FAO/YinMyo Aye | ASIA AND THE PACIFIC One Health forum and autumn conference FAO participated in the One Health Forum and Autumn Conference in Gyeongju, Republic of Korea, on 23-24 November 2023, organized by Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) in collaboration with the Korea Society on Zoonoses (KSZ). The presentation highlighted FAO’s contribution to One Health and animal health in the region, emphasizing the operationalization and benefits of tools based on countries’ experiences. Thanks to KDCA and USAID, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed among four agencies, to strengthen One Health collaboration and implementation. |
 ©FAO/Jashmin Apelo | THE PHILIPPINES National rabies prevention and control program implementation review In Puerto Princesa, Palawan, from 28 to 30 November 2023, the Bureau of Animal Industry - Animal Health and Welfare Division and FAO conducted a review of the national rabies prevention and control plan and program (NRPCP). Focal persons from the Department of Health, Region 3, Department of Agriculture - Regional Field Office 4A, Regional Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, MIMAROPA, Global Alliance for Rabies Control and Bureau of Animal Industry’s National Veterinary Quarantine Services Division and Veterinary Laboratory Division participated in the forum to assess policies and operations. |
Learn more about our work on One health here.
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CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT
 ©FAO CAMBODIA | CAMBODIA Refresher training on Livestock Identification and Registration Systems FAO and GDAHP collaborated to conduct a refresher training on Livestock Identification and Registration Systems (LIRS), including ear tagging, for staff from the Provincial Department of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries and the Provincial Office of Animal Health and Production in Cambodia. Recognizing Cambodia's significance as a livestock trade route, the reliable LIRS is crucial for understanding movements, managing associated risks, and preventing transboundary animal diseases. The establishment of a regional LIRS will enhance government capacity to monitor and improve smallholder livestock production, facilitating safe trade in the Mekong region. |
 ©FAO/Gunawan Utomo | INDONESIA RENOFARM training of trainer in Lampung From November 22 to 24, 2023, FAO and the Ministry of Agriculture's Directorate of Animal Health, with support from FAO Headquarters, conducted a "Reduce the Need for Antimicrobials in Agrifood Systems" (RENOFARM) Training of Trainers (ToT) in Lampung Province. RENOFARM, a global initiative addressing AMR at the farm level, emphasizes innovation, technologies and collaborative partnerships for healthier and sustainable agrifood systems. The ToT focused on updating RENOFARM training modules, incorporating best practices from Master Trainers and facilitators, with an emphasis on Farmer Field School participation and a farmer-to-farmer knowledge-sharing approach among poultry stakeholders. |
Learn more about our work on capacity development here.
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SURVEILLANCE
 ©FAO/Riana Arief | INDONESIA Workshop on integrated avian influenza surveillance FAO provided technical support for the Ministry of Health's workshop on integrated avian influenza surveillance in South Kalimantan Province from 22 to 23 November 2023. The workshop aimed to trial integrated surveillance and joint outbreak investigation for avian influenza subtype H5N1 in Banjar district. FAO facilitated a simulation exercise, presenting a joint outbreak investigation scenario and introduced the excel-based Joint Outbreak Investigation (JOIN) tool to assess linkages between epidemiology and laboratory data in both animal and public health sectors. The participants included representatives from public health and animal health sectors in Banjar district. |
| Learn more about our work on surveillance here. | |
LABORATORY
 ©FAO/Surendra Karki | NEPAL Training on sample collection, dispatch and epidemiological reporting FAO, with USAID funding, conducted a two-day training on sample collection, dispatch and epidemiological reporting at the Veterinary Hospital and Livestock Services Expert Center (VHLSEC) in Charikot, Dolakha on 23-24 November 2023. With 25 participants from livestock services in Dolakha and Sindhupalchowk, the training included the distribution of essential sample collection kits by Dr Barun Kumar Sharma, from the Central Veterinary Laboratory, with Dr Gyan Bahadur Jirel, Chief of VHLSEC, and Dr Dhruba D.C, Livestock Development Officer at the Directorate of Livestock and Fisheries Development of Bagmati Province, provided crucial support in facilitating the programme. This collaborative effort aimed to enhance the quality of sample collection and epidemiological reporting of disease events across institutions. |
 ©FAO | ASIA AND THE PACIFIC Enhancing laboratory leadership in Southeast Asia FAO ECTAD Regional Laboratory Coordinator Filip Claes represented FAO at the Global Laboratory Leadership Program (GLLP) Training Session II held from 20 to 24 November 2023. The training covered essential modules on general leadership, strategic planning, and more, with active participation from 22 GLLP participants, 11 mentors and the organizing team. This training underscores FAO's commitment to enhancing leadership in the global laboratory community. The next step involves rolling out a face-to-face training session focusing on Quality Management System competency in February 2024. |
 ©FAO | ASIA AND THE PACIFIC Participation in the WHO’s regional webinar on laboratory leadership FAO ECTAD Regional Laboratory Coordinator Filip Claes led a panel discussion during the WHO’s regional advocacy webinar series for the Southeast Asian and Western Pacific regions on 29 November 2023, focusing on planning and implementing the Global Laboratory Leadership Program (GLLP). The session aimed to enhance country implementation capacity through shared experiences. The panel, featuring experts from CDC Vietnam, Uganda, EURO and WOAH, provided valuable insights into GLLP execution at country and regional levels. |
| Learn more about our work on capacity development of laboratory here. | |
RISK REDUCTION ALONG THE VALUE CHAIN
 ©fao/Aleli Marasigan | THE PHILIPPINES Food safety programme evaluation and operations planning |
| Learn more about our work on risk reduction along the value chain here. | |
RISK COMMUNICATION
 ©FAO/Alia Dwirahmani | INDONESIA Risk communication to accelerate foot-and-mouth disease vaccination FAO and Directorate General Livestock and Animal Health visited Riau Province on 20 to 21 November 2023.With support from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF), the visit focused on enhancing risk communication on foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) from field officers to farmers. The activity involved 80 representatives from Riau Provincial Livestock and Animal Health Services and animal health officers from Kampar, Kuantan Singingi and Indragiri Hulu Districts. The goal was to identify gaps, create district profiles and develop Information, Education and Communication (IEC) strategies for dissemination alongside FMD vaccination implementation in their respective districts. |