The workshops brought together representatives of local governments, the education and social sectors, local civil society organizations, village elders, and other community representatives who work directly with residents and can influence behavioral practices at the local level.
During the training sessions, participants discussed the problem of antimicrobial resistance and its spread in smallholder livestock production, where antibiotics are often used without consulting a veterinarian. Particular attention was paid to common mistakes in animal treatment, the risks of self-medication, and the importance of following professional veterinary recommendations.
A separate session focused on risk communication. Participants explored practical tools for engaging with community members, discussed ways to build trust between animal owners, veterinarians, and local authorities, and examined effective approaches to communicating the importance of responsible antibiotic use.
The practical component included the interactive role-playing exercise “Antimicrobial Resistance in the Community,” during which participants worked through real-life scenarios and practiced strategies for encouraging behavioral change regarding antibiotic use at the local level.
Organizers emphasized that territorial communities can become an important channel for disseminating knowledge about the responsible use of antimicrobial agents and promoting good animal husbandry practices in households.
The next series of training sessions for representatives of territorial communities will take place in Lutsk on June 11–12. The trainings are part of the nationwide EpiC program aimed at increasing awareness of antimicrobial resistance and strengthening effective local-level communication.
Participation is free of charge; however, the number of places is limited.
Registration is required:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdA7BGpNsp-ln3CJONhxhdijtYe6k6Ab9MPRg06ppHAUenmGw/viewform
The EpiC Project in Ukraine aims to strengthen public health, animal health, and laboratory capacity through targeted technical assistance, institutional capacity building, and enhanced coordination between national and regional public health and animal health authorities in line with international standards and One Health principles.
The Association of Ukrainian Pig Breeders (AUPB) is a non-profit voluntary organization founded by Ukrainian pork producers. Its key objectives include representing and protecting the interests of member farms, promoting the development and implementation of innovative pork production technologies, expanding market opportunities, and protecting the domestic pork market.