SUSTAINABILITY

Antimicrobial resistance. On February 7, during the sixth meeting of the Global Leaders Group on Antimicrobial Resistance (GLG) in Barbados, the Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), QU Dongyu, reaffirmed the institution’s fight against the spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). In his words, “more efficient, more inclusive, more resilient and more sustainable agrifood systems” are a fundamental part of preventing the spread of AMR. The Director General invited those present to participate in the “Taking Stock of Food Systems,” where antimicrobial resistance will be discussed and which will be held July 24-26 in Rome.

During the meeting, the participants discussed antimicrobial resistance in terms of research and development to prevent its spread, integrated surveillance and the role of the private sector in its control, as well as the promotion of political action to deal with this health problem. Dongyu also indicated that FAO is “fully committed to working to create more efficient, inclusive and sustainable agrifood systems through the inclusion of antimicrobial resistance”.

On the other hand, they clarified that FAO is preparing a global initiative that seeks to reduce the need for antimicrobials in agrifood systems and farms, as well as to achieve the commitment to promote the development, review and implementation of national action plans on the subject. In addition, the organization continues to work on the development of the AMR multi-stakeholder partnership platform, which serves as a mechanism to promote collaboration among a wide range of stakeholders, including private sector entities, that seek to preserve antimicrobials as medicines beneficial to health and ensure their responsible use.

Next steps

The Director of FAO invited the other members of the GLG to participate in the Food Systems Review, which will take place at FAO headquarters in Rome from July 24-26. Antimicrobial resistance will be discussed there.

In addition, FAO will show at the meeting progress in the development of the ten-year global initiative to reduce the need for antimicrobials in agrifood systems. This proposal aims to reduce reliance on antimicrobial use in agri-food systems, promote the implementation of national and global action plans on AMR, strengthen the contributions of the food and agriculture sector in AMR risk management at the local level through concrete activities, and reduce by 30% to 50% the total amount of antimicrobials used in the food and agriculture sectors.

Engagement opportunities for McDonald’s

FAO hosts the ‘Multistakeholder Partnership Platform on Antimicrobial Resistance’, a mechanism to promote collaboration among various stakeholders (including government and private sector representatives) on antimicrobial stewardship. Through this platform, members can attend and take part in the discussions at the plenary meetings of the Antimicrobial Stewardship Task Forces. In addition, those who wish to contact the initiative via e-mail [email protected].