FAO UK AMR International Reference Centre
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) cannot be managed without tackling it across human health, animal health, agriculture and the environment. However, national data on AMR in non-human sectors is more sparse, capacity for surveillance is lower and policies to regulate medicines are less developed.
Formally established in 2018 and designated by the FAO as an AMR reference centre in 2019, the UK FAO Reference Centre for Antimicrobial Resistance (UK FAO AMR-RC) provides scientific and policy expertise within the global community to tackle AMR in terrestrial and aquatic animals and their environments.
UK FAO AMR-RC pulls expertise from three Defra agencies, Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD), Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas) and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA). These agencies collectively provide scientific and technical expertise, diagnostic services and laboratory and field training aimed at aiding low- and middle-income countries (LMIC’s) address the threat posed by AMR, improve the surveillance of AMR, and generate relevant data that are shared nationally and globally.
Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD), the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) and the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas).
Phase 1: 2 years (January 2019 - December 2020)
Phase 2: 3 years (April 2022 – March 2025)
£2.3m
The 24 countries which the Fleming Fund has country grants in will be prioritised. Countries will need to request support from the Centre.
Objectives:
- to raise awareness of AMR in the animal health, agriculture and environmental sectors
- to develop capacity of partners to conduct surveillance of AMR and antimicrobial use (AMU)
- to strengthen governance related to AMU and AMR in countries requesting support
- to promote good agricultural practices and prudent use of antimicrobials
Activities
- raising awareness of AMR, by publishing and contributing to expert reports and peer-reviewed scientific manuscripts
- developing capacity of partners for surveillance of AMR and AMU through residential AMR training workshops, country visits to partners to offer training, and the provision of proficiency testing schemes
- strengthening governance related to AMU and AMR by providing expert advice on new or emerging resistances that present a threat to animal or human health, providing expert advice on how to bench-mark capability and the authorisation of antibiotics and providing verification testing at UK laboratories
- promoting good agricultural practices and prudent use of antimicrobials by providing advice and support for the adaptation and implementation of alternatives to antibiotics
- Provide expert advice and consultancy to Fleming Fund and FF delivery partners whilst collaborating with FAO to support the delivery of their initiative to support food and agriculture sectors in Sub-Saharan Africa, and South- and South-East Asia
- Continue existing partnerships with Fleming Fund priority regions and countries (including countries supported by Fleming Fund via grants to International Organisations) and their delivery agents:
- Build in-country personnel capacity through academic and research institute collaborations, strengthening capacity through training for stake holders, professional development and provision of Guidance and Standards that supports building professional relationships including E-learning development and delivery.