International Reference Centre for Antimicrobial Resistance in Animal Health and Agriculture
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.
In November 2018 the International Reference Centre for AMR in Animal Health and Agriculture was launched with Fleming Fund support. The centre will ensure countries have access to draw-down services for technical assistance, training and quality assurance while they build AMR surveillance in all sectors.
The International Reference Centre for AMR was awarded designation as an FAO reference centre in April 2019.
Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD), the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) and the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas).
2 years (January 2019 - December 2020)
£1m
The 24 countries which the Fleming Fund has country grants in will be prioritised. Countries will need to request support from the Centre. Current countries receiving support include: Ghana, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Vietnam and Laos.
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