The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Liberia, together with the Government and One Health Platform in the country, has joined the global movement for Action against Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), during the World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW), from November 18 to 24, 2023.
This year’s WAAW theme, “Preventing Antimicrobial Resistance Together,” emphasizes the importance of collective action to address the global health challenge of antimicrobial resistance.
Breakthrough Action, Infectious Disease Detection Surveillance (IDDS), United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US-CDC), United States Agency for International Development (USAID), World Health Organization (WHO), Ministry of Health, National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority, Forestry Development Authority, National Public Health Institute of Liberia, Environmental Protection Agency, and the Ministry of Agriculture, were among the participants at the official event that took place on November 23, 2023.
Participants from the above mentioned institutions emphasized that multisectoral collaboration and coordination are important for the mitigation of AMR infections and resistant organisms.
As part of the weeklong observance, a One Health team conducted a two-day awareness campaign at three private and public high schools and one slaughterhouse in Montserrado county. The team raised awareness and educated students and slaughterhouse workers on the negative impact of overuse and misuse of antimicrobials, including antibiotics in both humans and animals.
Additionally, experts in environmental, animal, and human health, participated in a radio talk show to further educate the public on facts about AMR and the importance of prevention and control measures in AMR reduction.
Ibrahim G. Ahmed, Country Team Leader of FAO Emergency Centre for Transboundary Animal Diseases (ECTAD) in Liberia, emphasized the critical role of the One Health approach in reducing AMR infections, bringing together multiple sectors and stakeholders for better public health outcomes.
“AMR is an overlooked pandemic that requires a united multisectoral approach. Let us be reminded that the One Health approach is critical in the reduction of AMR infections. It brings together multiple sectors and stakeholders engaged in human, terrestrial and aquatic animal and plant health, food and feed production, and the environment,” expressed Ahmed, speaking on behalf of Bintia Stephen Tchicaya, FAO Representative ad interim in Liberia.
He also highlighted the critical issue of AMR and its impact on human health, agriculture, and food systems.
The keynote address, delivered by Musu Julie Duworko, Advisor, Family Health Program of WHO, on behalf of the WHO Country Representative, Peter Clement, focused on evidence-based presentation on data submitted by sub-national human health facilities to the national level, where participants were informed about the effects of AMR in Liberia and their support and involvement in the prevention, control, and reduction of AMR.
FAO has been at the forefront of combating AMR in Liberia, advocating for collaboration across sectors to mitigate the rising threat. The organization has actively engaged in promoting effective coordination among various stakeholders within the One Health Sector.
The efforts centered on strengthening surveillance mechanisms to monitor the emergence and spread of AMR, while simultaneously working to optimize the use of antimicrobial medicines in human, plant, and animal health.
Among the key achievements in recent years, FAO successfully conducted a comprehensive AMR situation analysis in Liberia, providing crucial insights into the prevalence and patterns of resistance.
This analysis became the foundation for developing a robust surveillance strategy and efficient laboratory diagnosis aimed at enabling the surveillance of AMR in the animal health sector.
Additionally, FAO technically supported in formulating the AMR treatment guidelines, ensuring responsible and prudent use of antimicrobials in animals.
Furthermore, FAO applied its expertise to evaluate AMR within Liberia’s agriculture and food systems, introducing the specialized Antimicrobial Resistance in Agriculture and Food Systems Tool/ Progressive Management Pathway (ATLASS/PMP tool).
Developed by FAO, this tool is designed to provide a comprehensive framework for understanding the dynamics of AMR across various stages of food production and supply chains, facilitating targeted interventions to curb AMR escalation.
As World Antimicrobial Awareness Week draws to a close, FAO emphasizes the continued need for concerted efforts to address AMR in Liberia.
The organization stresses the importance of sustained multisectoral collaboration, stringent surveillance, and responsible use of antimicrobials as key pillars in the fight against AMR.
FAO remains committed to supporting Liberia in implementing evidence-based strategies and fostering a culture of responsible antimicrobial use to safeguard human health and ensure sustainable agrifood systems.
