5.1 WOAH Strategy on AMR and prudent use of antimicrobials
The WOAH Strategy (2022a) aligns with recommendations in the WHO Global Action Plan. The WOAH has formed a quadripartite through collaboration with three other agencies: WHO, UNEP and FAO. The WOAH Strategy has four main objectives and several sub-objectives. Across all the objectives, there is an underlying theme of prudent use of antimicrobials (Table 5).
| Strategic objective |
Antimicrobial stewardship goal |
| Improve awareness and understanding |
- encourage a professional culture that supports the responsible and ethical use of antimicrobial products in animals
- support professional development goals by holding workshops, conferences and symposia that promote the prudent use of antimicrobials
|
| Strengthen knowledge through surveillance and research |
- establish a database for AMU data from Member Countries, with annual analysis and reporting
- encourage development and adoption of new tools, products and practices that reduce antimicrobial use in animals
|
| Support good governance and capacity building |
- support implementation of legislation governing the manufacture, marketing authorisation, importation, distribution and use of veterinary products
- initiate regular training of WOAH focal points on veterinary products
- ensure that well trained veterinarians and veterinary paraprofessionals are at the forefront of national and regional efforts to improve animal health and welfare and the stewardship of antimicrobial products
|
| Encourage implementation of international standards |
- support individual countries to implement WOAH international standards for prudent use of antimicrobials
- encourage adoption of WOAH List of Antimicrobials of Veterinary Importance
|
Table 5 Key objectives on the prudent use of antimicrobials from the WOAH Strategy on AMRs
