Joint statement – Antimicrobials: handle with care. United in the One Health approach to protect antimicrobials

Joint statement by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia, the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Sub-Regional Representation for Central Asia, and WHO/Europe

12 November 2020

As Tripartite partners, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia, the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Sub-Regional Representation for Central Asia, and WHO/Europe are united in support of World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW) 2020.

Since 2015, WAAW has been focusing on awareness-raising and education towards the responsible and prudent use of the antimicrobials. Previously World Antibiotic Awareness Week, the name was changed this year to World Antimicrobial Awareness Week to reflect the breadth of the initiative. Antimicrobials include antibiotic, antiviral, antifungal and antiprotozoal agents, which are critical tools for treating diseases in humans, animals and plants.

WAAW is particularly important this year as the COVID-19 crisis is increasing the misuse and overuse of antimicrobials, including antibiotics. Unless something is done, this could worsen the growing, long-term problems of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

The Tripartite recognizes the need for access to antimicrobials, as they are essential to ensure human and animal health, food supply, and food safety. However, countries need to step up implementation of their national AMR strategies and policies across sectors, as well as their commitment to tackling the emergence of AMR.

AMR is a global crisis. There is no time to wait. Everyone has a role to play in preserving the effectiveness of antimicrobials. The Tripartite calls on their Member States to strengthen measures to combat AMR, widely publicize the global challenge and encourage people to change their behaviour regarding the use of antimicrobials. Human and animal health agencies, the environment and food sectors, as well as civil society must unite efforts to preserve antimicrobial efficacy through a multisectoral One Health approach.

The AMR crisis applies to everyone. So, let us act for the sake of all humanity.