The World Federation for Animals (WFA) has welcomed a new resolution by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) that seeks to address antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in agrifood systems.
The resolution, adopted at the 44th Session of the FAO Conference, which concluded earlier this month, recognises the need to reduce inappropriate antimicrobial use in agrifood systems.
It also affirms a One Health approach — acknowledging the interconnected health of humans, animals, and the environment — and calls for coordinated, cross-sectoral responses to combat AMR holistically.
The WFA said in a statement that it ‘strongly supports’ its call for greater investment in animal health to prevent and control infections, as well as the ‘development and promotion of alternatives that reduce dependence on antimicrobials’.
‘Much-needed call to action’
“The adoption of this resolution is a much-needed call to action to implement the 2024 UN General Assembly Political Declaration on AMR,” commented Dr. Masika Sophie, global health policy manager at the World Federation for Animals.
“The agrifood sector is one of the most under-addressed yet highly impactful areas in the global AMR response. By reinforcing the importance of animal welfare as an integral part of sustainable agrifood systems, we are taking essential steps towards a system with healthier animals, healthier people, and a healthier planet.”
Elsewhere, Dr. James Yeates, CEO of the WFA, emphasised the “burgeoning, blossoming realisation” that human wellbeing is closely tied to the health and treatment of animals.
“It is this recognition that prompts the resolve to transform how we treat the animals who share our needs, feelings and planet,” he commented. “This Resolution is the culmination of many recent advances by the international community, of governments, IGOs and expert civil society, including our Federation. Its implementation will help billions of humans and animals to have healthier lives in the future.” Read more here.
