Joint efforts for Reducing the advance of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in Eastern Europe and Central Asia countries

Increasing global Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is a major threat to human and animal health. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has its origin in the unregulated use of antimicrobials in animal health and production the human health sectors. Use of antimicrobials in the food and agricultural sector for therapeutic, preventative, and growth promotion purposes across the countries of Eastern Europe and central Asia is widespread. Antimicrobials play a critical role in the treatment of diseases of farm animals (aquatic and terrestrial) and plants. Their use is essential to food security, to our well-being, and to animal welfare. However, weak or non-existent regulatory surveillance and monitoring systems, lack of harmonization of surveillance protocols between countries and ministries/competent authorities in charge of AMR risk management, sub-optimal enforcement and compliance with existing guidelines and low levels of AMR awareness, are driving development of AMR. Resistance arising in one geographical location or species can easily spread to other geographical locations or spill-over into other species and impact developed and developing countries alike.

In recognition of the growing problem of Antimicrobial Resistance, FAO continues its’ contribution to the global approach and implementing actions at the national and regional levels in the area of the policy and regulation, preventive actions and awareness raising and engagement with producers and other food value chain stakeholders.

Hence, within its regional project financed by Russian Federation on reducing the advance of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in food and agriculture in Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan and in collaboration with The Federal Service on Customers' Rights Protection and Human Well-being Surveillance, FAO organises a regional event “Joint efforts for Reducing the advance of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in Eastern Europe and Central Asia countries” that will take place on 18-19 September 2018 in Moscow, Russian Federation.

The purpose of this event is to present regional project objectives, activities, budget, and implementation arrangements; review existing information on AMR with the focus on development and/or implementation of National Action Plans (NAP), the regulatory framework and legislation; the best experiences and practical considerations for AMR surveillance including examples of One Health approach; awareness and knowledge dissemination. The event will contribute to improvement of the coordination of cross-sectoral efforts on AMR. In addition, during the event countries will is to agree on project work plan and as well as discuss the roles and responsibilities of each participating country as well as strengthening coordination with partners and stakeholders.

High-level government official representing the Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Human Health, Veterinary and Food Safety Services from Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic and Tajikistan as well as representatives of Embassies and FAO experts will attend the event.