Action for Animal Health congratulates United Nations member states as they approve a ground-breaking new Political Declaration to tackle Antimicrobial Resistance
World leaders yesterday committed to tackling the silent pandemic of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) by signing a new declaration at the UN High-Level Meeting on AMR. The declaration pledges to reduce deaths from drug-resistant bacteria by 10% over the next six years through a range of cross-cutting obligations on animal, human and environmental health.
We have been at the forefront of advocating for a One Health approach which includes strong commitments to invest in the health and welfare of animals to reduce antimicrobial use and other global health threats. We are pleased that our engagement in consultations, recommendations, and lobbying efforts has been successful. The inclusion of One Health in the declaration and the recognition of the interdependence between animal, human, and environmental health by global leaders is a promising step forward.
We are pleased to see that our recommendations for strengthening animal health systems by creating lists of essential veterinary medicines have been referred to in the declaration. This marks the first inclusion of an essential veterinary medicines list into a global political declaration. Brooke and Action for Animal Health are thrilled to have driven the development of this key milestone for animal welfare.
The declaration is an important step in the right direction. Still, critical work must be undertaken to address the overall strengthening of animal health systems, improved training of animal health practitioners, and implementation of essential veterinary medicines lists. Most crucially, countries must now take robust action to reduce the use of antimicrobials in agri-food systems- such as prophylactic use and as growth promoters- and should take steps to promote good animal welfare and husbandry in their place.
Over 73% of antimicrobials sold globally are used in livestock production. A crucial next step is now to move forward with swift and decisive action to set targets to reduce the use and misuse of antibiotics in the livestock sector and to implement improved welfare and husbandry practices.