FAO collaborates with Zimbabwe to combat AMR

Speaking at a recent high-level meeting organised by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) during this year’s Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF), government and private sector representatives highlighted the multifaceted nature of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), describing it as not just a medical issue, but a broader societal, economic, agricultural, and environmental threat

The importance of partnerships emerged as a central theme. Experts emphasised that combating AMR requires a coordinated effort involving government institutions, academia, communities, private sector entities, healthcare professionals, and international organisations, with FAO being recognised particularly for being instrumental in supporting agricultural practices that minimise antimicrobial resistance.

The importance of partnerships emerged as a central theme. Experts emphasised that combating AMR requires a coordinated effort involving government institutions, academia, communities, private sector entities, healthcare professionals, and international organisations, with FAO being recognised particularly for being instrumental in supporting agricultural practices that minimise antimicrobial resistance.

Private sector involvement was highlighted as crucial. Dr Munyaradzi Dzvene explained that public-private partnerships could fund critical research and development, potentially creating new molecules to combat resistant microbes. "Private sector can fund research and development, coming up with new chemicals that can actually combat this problem of antimicrobial resistance," the speaker noted.

The meeting highlighted Zimbabwe's commitment to a 'One Health' approach, recognising that human, animal, and environmental health are interconnected. This holistic perspective requires coordination between, veterinary services, environmental agencies, agriculture and health ministries. Challenges were candidly discussed, including limited funding, inadequate infrastructure, and the spread of misinformation through social media. Moreover, public and private healthcare professionals were urged to collaborate more closely to manage patient treatments more effectively using good prescribing practices.