PESHAWAR, Jul 30 (Alliance News): A key dissemination event on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Surveillance was held at the Livestock Complex Peshawar on Tuesday.
The event focused on a pilot study conducted from July 2020 to December 2022, which was part of the Fleming Fund’s collaboration with the Ministry of National Food Security & Research.
The gathering brought together government officials, veterinarians, and public health experts to discuss strategies for tackling AMR in Pakistan. Dr. Asal Khan from the Fleming Fund and Dr. Asad Ali Shah from the Livestock & Dairy Development Department Khyber Pakhtunkhwa praised the efforts to address AMR, a growing global health issue linked to increasing infections caused by drug-resistant organisms and restricted treatment options.
AMR has led to higher mortality rates and economic losses in the animal sector, with global estimates showing around five million deaths annually, including 60,000 in Pakistan alone. Improper use of antimicrobials in both human and animal sectors has exacerbated the problem.
Mr. Ali Shan Azhar and Dr. Abdul Rehman provided insights into the Fleming Fund project’s achievements and future plans. They highlighted the importance of improving surveillance systems, analyzing AMR data, and making necessary changes in veterinary practices and regulatory compliance.
The study revealed high levels of antibiotic resistance in cattle, buffalo, and poultry across Pakistan, with significant regional and seasonal variations. Moving forward, the emphasis will be on implementing targeted interventions, enhancing surveillance, and securing sustainable funding to combat AMR effectively.
 in Pakistan. Experts call for targeted actions){kind=link}