Introducing a One Health approach to AMR

Introduction

This module introduces the concept of One Health and explains the importance of a One Health approach in tackling the AMR crisis. It emphasises how a complex mix of factors involving humans, animals, aquatic species, plants and the environment contribute to the spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) within and between sectors.

It introduces the World Health Organization (WHO), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) individually and collectively as the Tripartite, describing their joint role in developing a One Health approach to tackling AMR. The main functions of multi-sectoral organisational structures to address AMR across all sectors in a country will be discussed, with examples.

One Health AMR surveillance is introduced here but will be expanded in the following modules:

• An introduction to AMR surveillance
• Introducing AMR surveillance systems
• An overview of national AMR surveillance
• AMR surveillance in animals.

The main guidelines and protocols that contribute to One Health AMR surveillance will be introduced. As learners you will be encouraged to think about how your work might contribute to a One Health approach to addressing AMR in your country. As noted in other modules, we will focus on bacterial AMR, although the same principles apply to viruses, fungi, protozoa and parasites.

After completing this module, you will be able to:

• explain what is meant by One Health and discuss the importance of this approach in addressing AMR
• describe an example of a One Health AMR problem
• give examples of measures that can be implemented by different sectors in a One Health approach to controlling an AMR problem
• identify the international and national organisational frameworks that support global and national management of AMR
• understand the key features of guidelines and protocols available to support a One Health approach to AMR surveillance
• reflect on how your role fits within a One Health approach to addressing AMR in your country.