Rome (Italy) – The World Federation for Animals (WFA) welcomes the adoption of a landmark resolution by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) addressing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in agrifood systems.
Adopted at the Forty-fourth Session of the FAO Conference, the resolution recognises the need to reduce inappropriate use in agrifood systems. It acknowledges FAO’s key role in driving the sustainable transformation of agrifood systems, recognising animal health and welfare as important components of this effort.
The resolution affirms the importance of a One Health approach, which recognises the interconnectedness of human, animal and environmental health. It underscores the importance of coordinated, cross-sectoral action to tackle AMR in a holistic manner.
WFA strongly supports the resolution’s call for greater investment in animal health to prevent and control infections, as well as the development and promotion of alternatives that reduce dependence on antimicrobials. WFA believes such actions will also support improved animal welfare.
Dr. Masika Sophie, Global Health Policy Manager at the World Federation for Animals: “The adoption of this resolution is a much-needed call to action to implement the 2024 UN General Assembly Political Declaration on AMR. The agrifood sector is one of the most under-addressed yet highly impactful areas in the global AMR response. By reinforcing the importance of animal welfare as an integral part of sustainable agrifood systems, we are taking essential steps towards a system with healthier animals, healthier people, and a healthier planet.”
Dr./Professor James Yeates, CEO of WFA: “There is a burgeoning, blossoming realisation around the world that effectively safeguarding the health and wellbeing of people needs profoundly respecting the health and welfare of animals. It is this recognition that prompts the resolve to transform how we treat the animals who share our needs, feelings and planet. This Resolution is the culmination of many recent advances by the international community, of governments, IGOs and expert civil society (including our Federation). Its implementation will help billions of humans and animals to have healthier lives in the future.”
Background & press contact
Background: FAO’s resolution
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