Chongqing - The International Symposium on Pathways to Reduce the Need for Antimicrobials to Support Sustainable Livestock Transformation recently commenced in Rongchang District, Chongqing.
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the National Center of Technology Innovation for Pigs, and the People's Government of Rongchang District, among others, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), committing to key actions, such as hosting the International Symposium biennially in Rongchang.
Over 50 experts from 35 countries, such as the US, Brazil, the UK, Germany, and India, participated in the event.
Advancing antimicrobial reduction practices across nations
"Today we stand at a critical juncture in our fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which threatens our health, our ecosystems, and the sustainability of our agrifood systems," said Thanawat Tiensin, Director of the Animal Production and Health Division at the FAO.
Thanawat Tiensin, Director of the Animal Production and Health Division at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). (Photo/Rongchang District)
In his keynote, Tiensin underscored the serious consequences of unchecked antimicrobial use, stressing its direct effect on human and animal health.
"If we were suddenly to lose the availability, efficacy, and of antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, and antiparasitic drugs to treat both humans and animals, the consequences would be severe," he said.
Addressing these challenges, Tiensin introduced the RENOFARM initiative, a strategic FAO response designed to reduce the reliance on antimicrobials in agriculture. "RENOFARM is poised to support countries, livestock producers, and the private sector in adopting good practices to reduce the need for antimicrobial use," he said.
He underscored the initiative's importance, inviting global stakeholders to join the effort. The initiative promotes a holistic, country-led approach incorporating policy support, technical assistance, and capacity building.
Implementing direct initiatives, policies, and plans tackle AMR
Zhang Zhongjun, Officer-in-Charge of the FAO Representation in China, supplemented Tiensin's global outlook by outlining strategic initiatives tailored to China's pivotal role in global agriculture.
Zhang Zhongjun, Officer-in-Charge of the FAO Representation in China. (Photo/Rongchang District)
Zhang highlighted the FAO and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA) collaboration, which has been instrumental in advancing the One Health approach and implementing projects that directly tackle AMR.
"Our partnership with MARA has facilitated a number of significant projects aimed at enhancing China's capacity to manage AMR effectively," said Zhang.
He mentioned specific initiatives like the China Field Epidemiology Training Programme for Veterinarians, which has helped build essential skills for early detection and management of animal diseases, a critical measure in combating the spread of AMR. From 2010 to 2022, more than 13,000 people have directly benefited from the program.
At the policy level, China has initiated the National Action Plan for Reducing Veterinary Antimicrobial Use (2021-2025), targeting more than 50% of large-scale farms to enact AMR reduction measures by 2025.
This entails enhancing management systems for the safe use of veterinary drugs, enforcing the veterinary prescription drug system, implementing the veterinary drug withdrawal period system, and ensuring standardized use of veterinary medicines.
Zhang elaborated on the FAO's Action Plan on AMR 2021-2025, calling it a comprehensive guide for global and national endeavors in combating AMR in the food and agriculture sectors.
He emphasized its alignment with the One Health approach and its role in steering the ten-year global initiative RENOFARM, which aims to minimize antimicrobial usage in farms for sustainable agrifood system transformation.