Laos joins race against the clock to overcome antimicrobial resistance
Laos and other countries around the world have pledged to take immediate action to combat the spread of antimicrobial resistance. Globally and in the region, the pledge to combat AMR was made with the support and collaboration of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations, the World Organisation for Animal Health and the World Health Organisation in a tripartite partnership. WHO Representative to Laos Dr Juliet Fleischl emphasised the urgency of the issue this week, saying we are beginning to see cases of resistance to antibiotics of last resort being reported in many countries. If we do not address antimicrobial resistance now, doctors and nurses will be empty-handed against a growing number of serious infections. WHO is committed to helping the government of Laos prepare to meet this challenge. But AMR cannot be addressed by the health sector alone. FAO Representative to Laos Dr Stephen Rudgard said FAO is happy to be part of this strong partnership with WHO and OIE, taking its part in supporting agricultural agencies in the country to play their roles in monitoring antimicrobial usage in the sector and taking corrective action where needed.
