AMR
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR)
10/03/20
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United in the One Health approach to protect antimicrobials
As Tripartite partners, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia, the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Sub-Regional Representation for Central Asia, and the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Europe, are united in support of the World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW) 2020.
Since 2015, WAAW has been focusing on awareness-raising and education working towards the responsible and prudent use of the antimicrobials. This year the name of this awareness initiative, which was previously known as the World Antibiotic Awareness Week was changed to World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW) to reflect the breadth of the initiative activity. Antimicrobials include antibiotics, antiviral, antifungal, and antiprotozoal agents, which are critical tools for treating diseases in humans, animals, and plants.
WAAW is of particular importance this year as the COVID-19 crisis is increasing the misuse and overuse of antimicrobials, including antibiotics. Unless something is done, this could worsen the growing long-term problems of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
The Tripartite recognizes the need for access to antimicrobials, as they are essential to ensure human and animal health, food supply, and food safety. However, countries need to step up the implementation of their national strategies and policies across sectors, as well as their commitment to tackling the emergence of AMR.
AMR is a global crisis. There is no time to wait. Everyone has a role to play to preserve the effectiveness of antimicrobials. The Tripartite calls on their Member States to strengthen measures to combat AMR, widely publicize the global challenge, and encourage people to change their behaviour regarding the use of antimicrobials. Human and animal health, the environment, and food sectors, as well as civil society, must unite efforts to preserve antimicrobial efficacy through a multisectoral One Health approach.
The AMR crisis applies to everyone. So, let us act for the sake of all humanity.
Three regional representations, united in a tripartite, will be joined by partners and decision-makers to discuss “Action and partnership on AMR to ensure a coordinated One Health approach in Europe and Central Asia”.
The OIE supports its Members in the implementation of good practices in the field.
We urge all countries of the region to raise public awareness of AMR.
Communication materials are available on the Tripartite Trello Board.
The OIE “WE NEED YOU” campaign materials are available here.
