By Sharon Atieno
As the world marks the annual week of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Awareness, the World Animal Protection is calling on livestock farmers to take urgent action to reduce the overuse of antibiotics in animals, a key driver of the resistance.
AMR- the ability of disease-causing organisms to resist treatment- is responsible for 1.27 million deaths annually, with the number set to rise to 10 million by 2050.
According to Dr. Patrick Muinde, research manager, World Animal Protection, the growing population is increasing demand for food especially animal-sourced foods like milk and meat, this is in turn driving the overuse of antibiotics in livestock for prophylactic use and growth promotion, especially in industrial farming.
“This widespread misuse accelerates the development of resistant bacteria that can then be transmitted to humans through the food chain, direct contact with animals, or environmental contamination,” Dr. Muinde said during a virtual press briefing.
“The future of our food systems depends on transforming agriculture to be more humane and sustainable, reducing the spread of AMR. By reducing our reliance on antibiotics in farming and adopting practices that prioritize animal welfare, we can build a healthier future for both people and animals.”
The World Animal Protection is calling on livestock stakeholders to commit to use antibiotics responsibly- when necessary, under the guidance of a veterinarian, and to treat diagnosed infections.
It is urging Governments to strengthen policies and regulatory framework in livestock farming to allow for good life standards, improved animal welfare and responsible antibiotic use.
Additionally, the organization is urging producers to commit to better animal welfare by joining its campaigns to transform global food systems.
Recently, global leaders met in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia under the theme “From Declaration to Implementation – Accelerating Actions through Multisectoral Partnerships for the Containment of AMR.’
The Jeddah conference aimed to take forward the ‘Political Declaration on Antimicrobial Resistance’, adopted by 193 members states at the UN General Assembly of 2024. It brought together ministers and experts from the health, environment and agriculture sectors from 57 countries, in addition to 450 participants from UN organisations.
The meeting concluded with the approval of the Jeddah Commitments, which among others, included creating operational national AMR coordination mechanisms, ensuring prudent and responsible use of antimicrobials, establishment of a One Health AMR Learning Hub that will focus on sharing best practices and developing capabilities on the practical implementation of multisectoral national action plans on AMR.
The 2024 World Antimicrobial Awareness Week is commemorated under the theme ‘ Educate. Advocate. Act Now.’ The week runs from 18th to 24th November.
