FAO strengthens regional engagement on antimicrobial resistance surveillance and farm-level prevention
InFARM is rooted in the extensive experience of FAO and its partners in the Quadripartite (FAO, WHO, WOAH, and UNEP)
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) brought together countries across the Near East and North Africa (NENA) region to strengthen antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance, reporting and prevention, with a focus on practical solutions that can be applied at country and farm levels.
AMR remains a significant threat to agrifood systems, animal and public health, food security and sustainable livestock production. Addressing this challenge requires reliable evidence and data, effective collaboration and practical actions that countries can implement according to their national priorities
The regional webinar, organized by the FAO Regional Office for the Near East and North Africa in collaboration with FAO Headquarter and with technical support from its global AMR, InFARM and RENOFARM (Reduce the Need for Antimicrobials on Farms for Sustainable Agrifood Systems Transformation) teams, focused on two complementary components of FAO’s work on AMR: the International FAO AMR Monitoring System (InFARM) and the RENOFARM initiative, including its Farm 5Gs approach.
The event followed a regional AMR virtual meeting held by FAO RNE in May 2026, where participating countries highlighted the need for more practical guidance and direct engagement on FAO tools and initiatives supporting AMR surveillance, reporting, prevention and responsible antimicrobial use, as well as opportunities for country engagement and technical support.
“Strengthening antimicrobial resistance surveillance and prevention requires strong regional engagement, better information sharing and practical support to countries. InFARM and RENOFARM offer important opportunities to strengthen our understanding of AMR while supporting countries in reducing the need for antimicrobials at farm level” said Mohammed Bengoumi, Animal Production Health Officer, FAO RNE/SNE.
Turning data into action
The webinar introduced countries to InFARM and its role in supporting AMR surveillance and reporting, including country enrolment procedures, participation requirements, reporting mechanism and available technical support. The system provides a platform through which countries can strengthen surveillance, improve data collection and reporting, and contribute to a stronger evidence base for decision-making. Reliable AMR data are important for understanding trends, identifying risks, measuring progress and informing policies and investments.
Participants also learned about the RENOFARM initiative and its Farm 5Gs approach, which provides practical actions to reduce the need for antimicrobials at farm level through improved farm management, animal health, biosecurity and good husbandry practices. These approaches can help countries move from monitoring AMR to implementing practical solutions that prevent its emergence and spread at farm level.
Together, InFARM and RENOFARM address two complementary pillars of AMR action: generating quality surveillance data and strengthening reporting through InFARM, while promoting responsible and prudent antimicrobial use through preventive measures and farm-level interventions under RENOFARM and Farm 5Gs.
“AMR is a global One Health challenge that requires coordinated action across countries and sectors. Strong surveillance and reporting provide the evidence needed to better understand AMR, while prevention at farm level is essential to reducing the need for antimicrobials and protecting animal, human and environmental health” stressed Junxia Song, FAO Deputy Chief Veterinarian and Chief of One Health and Disease Control.
Strengthening country engagement
The webinar provided a direct platform for countries to engage with FAO technical teams working on InFARM and RENOFARM, enabling participants to raise questions, explore opportunities for participation and identify areas where additional technical support may be needed. . The discussions facilitated direct exchange between countries and FAO experts responsible for these mechanisms at global level
The event brought together FAO technical staff and government counterparts involved in animal health, veterinary services, AMR surveillance, laboratory activities, livestock production and One Health coordination. The wider outreach is intended to ensure that technical officers directly involved in these areas can engage in the discussion and better understand opportunities for country participation.
The webinar aims to increase awareness of InFARM and opportunities for participation, strengthen understanding of enrolment and reporting requirements, and increase visibility of the RENOFARM Farm 5Gs approach. It also helps identify countries interested in receiving follow-up support and strengthens regional collaboration and information sharing on AMR-related activities. FAO remains committed to supporting countries through technical assistance, capacity development, knowledge sharing and regional collaboration toward a more coordinated response to AMR across the NENA region.