The updated plan was adopted on May 21 during WOAH’s 93rd General Session. It sets out the strategic directions for international cooperation aimed at containing the spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) over the next decade.
The plan covers six key objectives:
- raising awareness of AMR;
- improving monitoring and surveillance systems;
- preventing infections;
- ensuring appropriate access to antimicrobials;
- supporting research and innovation;
- strengthening multisectoral governance.
The document is based on the One Health approach, which recognises the interconnection between human, animal and plant health and the environment. This approach is intended to ensure coordinated action across different sectors and prevent the inappropriate use of antimicrobials.
Two days after WOAH’s decision, the updated plan was also endorsed by member states of the World Health Organization during the World Health Assembly. This confirmed a shared cross-sectoral commitment among countries to strengthen efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance.
WOAH emphasised that the adoption of the document marks not the end of the process, but the beginning of its practical implementation phase.
The Quadripartite partners — the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the World Health Organization (WHO) and WOAH — are developing cross-sectoral operational guidance. It is intended to help countries translate the strategic objectives into specific national measures.
A monitoring and evaluation framework is also being prepared to track global progress in implementing the plan. FAO and UNEP are currently continuing their internal approval procedures.
WOAH also plans to hold a series of webinars for its member countries. The training will focus on supporting practical action against antimicrobial resistance within veterinary services and animal health systems.
PigUA.info, based on materials from thepigsite.com