Evidence-based political decisions, coordinated multisectoral efforts and One Health approach are imperative
Sunita Narain (third from left) at the first COP28 side event by Global Leaders Group on antimicrobial resistance. Photo: Global Leaders Group on AMR / X (formerly Twitter) The Global Leaders Group on AMR (GLG) organised a side event on December 2, 2023 to spotlight the problems related to antimicrobial resistance (AMR), during the 28th Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28).
Global experts and GLG leaders addressing the AMR crisis during COP underscores the acknowledgement of the environmental dimensions of this global challenge.
The side event titled Political Action for AMR and Environment on the Road to the UNGA High-Level Meeting on AMR in 2024 was a part of a 12-day event programme which will continue till December 12, 2023. The programme has been developed as a collaboration between the world’s leading food and agriculture organizations - CGIAR, Food and Agriculture Organization, International Fund for Agricultural Development and The Rockefeller Foundation.
Experts including Qu Dongyu, Director-General, FAO; Hon Chris Fearne, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Health of Malta and Vice Chair of the GLG; Hon Eng Mohammed Mousa Alameeri, Assistant Undersecretary for the Food Diversity Sector, Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, United Arab Emirates and a GLG Member; Sunita Narain, director-general, Centre for Science and Environment, India and a GLG Member; and Hon Beatrice Atim Odwong Anywar, Minister of State for Environment, Uganda and a GLG Member participated in the event. Maria Helena Semedo, deputy director-general, FAO served as the moderator of the event.
The leaders underscored the immediate need to transform agrifood systems to optimise animal, plant, and environmental health. The emphasis was on responsible use of antimicrobials, reducing their necessity and promoting innovation for sustainable alternatives.
During the event, Narain shed light on the critical link between AMR, production systems and livelihoods. She emphasised that the world needs to focus on the core of the AMR issue, the sectors of agriculture and food-producing animals, where antibiotics are extensively used.
Agriculture, poultry, aquaculture and milk-producing farms are the focal points for addressing AMR, interconnected with challenges of climate change and biodiversity.
Narain highlighted the need to find out smart solutions while also acknowledging the vulnerability of smallholder agriculturists and ground-level realities faced by farmers. She emphasised to focus on livestock issues, particularly in countries like India, where livestock is integral to livelihoods.
“We need to reinvent our food systems; we need to think about sustainable, climate-resilient agriculture,” she stated in her address. “The waste from agricultural farms needs to be recycled and reused, which can only occur if it is not contaminated with antibiotics,” she added.
Overall, the panelists highlighted the urgency of addressing the AMR crisis as it is no longer a distant threat. It is unfolding now and just like the battle against climate change, the world is running out of time to address it, they highlighted.
Additionally, the discussion emphasised the need for both internal and external funds, not only for implementing current action plans, but also for developing new antibiotics, diagnostics and vaccines.
Evidence-based political decisions, coordinated multisectoral efforts and One Health approach are imperative to combat AMR, the experts stressed.
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