The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, in collaboration with Republic of Korea (Ministry of Food and Drug Safety) national partners, inaugurated the National Conference on Foodborne Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in Islamabad, bringing together policymakers, scientists, regulators, and development partners to strengthen coordinated action against the growing threat of resistant pathogens in the food chain.

The two-day conference provides a national platform for sharing evidence, reviewing ongoing initiatives, and agreeing on practical steps to reduce antimicrobial resistance risks from farm to fork. Participants represent animal health, human health, food safety, and environmental sectors, reflecting the importance of a One Health approach.

In the inaugural session, representatives from the Ministry of National Food Security & Research and the National Institute of Health highlighted the urgency of reinforcing surveillance, responsible antimicrobial use, and cross-sectoral collaboration. FAO emphasized its continued support to Pakistan in strengthening laboratory systems, improving data generation, and promoting good hygienic and production practices across livestock and food value chains.

Technical sessions during the conference will present progress under FAO ACT project supported initiatives, global and national perspectives on integrated AMR surveillance, and new research findings from Pakistani institutions. Experts will also discuss antimicrobial use in livestock, the role of HACCP and hygiene in preventing resistant infections, and opportunities to align research, policy, and implementation.

The conference further includes multi-stakeholder panel discussions aimed at identifying priority actions to advance national efforts, improve coordination among sectors, and enhance evidence-based decision-making.

FAO reaffirmed its commitment to work with federal and provincial authorities, academia, and industry to build resilient agrifood systems that safeguard public health, protect livelihoods, and ensure safe food for consumers.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)