Animal health at the forefront:Tackling AMR and ensuring a healthier future

By Hamu Madzedze

Online Health Editor-Zimbabwe

The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) has released a report dubbed "Towards a Healthier Future for All:Progress in Animal Health to Contain Antimicrobial Resistance" which is looking into the animal health sector's response to the antimicrobial resistance ( AMR) challenge over the past few years.

The report was developed in collaboration with 20 WOAH members and key partners and it highlights significant successes and progress made globally while emphasising the need for sustained action,investment and collaboration towards addressing the global AMR threat.

Director General of the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) Emmamuelle Soubeyran said despite the progress made the threat of AMR persists requiring further efforts in the coming years.

"While significant progress has been made in combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR) ,a recent data on its future socio-economic impacts underscores the need for collective efforts to be doubled" said Soubeyran.

For decades the World Organisation for Animal Health has worked closely with its members,One Health partners,veterinarians,academia,industry and other stakeholders to raise awareness on AMR and address the global health threat of AMR.

It has been over 25 years since the World Assembly of WOAH delegates adopted a resolution calling for the development of the first guidelines on AMR in the animal health sector.

Since then ,several important milestones have been achieved demonstrating that targeted strategies and the WOAH AMR Strategy can yield substantial benefits despite the challenges presented by this complex issue.

These efforts will ensure that progress is not maintained but expanded ultimately leading to a world where antimicrobials remain effective.

This year 2024 has been pivotal with the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) High -Level Ministerial Conference on AMR laying the groundwork for action through their political declarations.

The World AMR Awareness Week(WAAW) which ends on the 24th of November is being held under the theme Educate:Advocate:Act Now.

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