Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhtar has stated that it must be ensured that there is zero tolerance for the misuse of antibiotics.
She made the remark while speaking as the chief guest at an event titled “Fleming Fund Legacy in Bangladesh: Tackling AMR through a One Health Approach” organised by the British High Commission in Dhaka at a hotel in the capital on Wednesday morning,
She further added, “We often talk about a zero-tolerance policy, but we must work to ensure zero tolerance against the misuse and unnecessary use of antibiotics.”
She said that it is extremely urgent to take necessary measures in accordance with WTO policies to ensure safe food in imports and exports.
The Fisheries and Livestock Adviser said that to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG-2 (ensuring zero hunger), our responsibility is not limited to food production only. Ensuring proper control over the use of antibiotics and pesticides in food production and the livestock sector is also extremely important.
The adviser said that taking preventive measures and ensuring food security are the most effective ways to tackle antimicrobial resistance (AMR), adding that the poorest amongst us are suffering the most due to the unnecessary use of antibiotics for cheap poultry production.
The adviser further said that the UK government’s Fleming Fund has been providing crucial support since 2020 to strengthen AMR surveillance in Bangladesh through the One Health approach. This initiative has increased the capacity of farmers, veterinarians, and field-level officials through awareness-raising, which is helping in the areas of safe food production and responsible antimicrobial use.
Highlighting the importance of One Health activities, she said that human health, fisheries, livestock, and agriculture must work in an integrated manner. “No one is at the centre; everyone will participate equally,” she said.
To ensure safe food, health awareness, and control of antibiotic use, she called upon everyone to work together.
British High Commission Deputy Development Director Martin Dawson delivered the welcome speech at the event.
The main successes of the Fleming Fund in Bangladesh were presented by the Technical Lead of the Fleming Fund Country Grant to Bangladesh (FFCGB), Md Nur-e-Alam Siddiqui.
Chaired by FFCGB Team Lead Shah Monir Hossain, the event was addressed by British Deputy High Commissioner James Goldman, Director General of the Health Department Abu Jafar, Director General of the Department of Fisheries Md Abdur Rauf, Director General of the Department of Livestock Md Abu Sufian, Country Representative of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations in Bangladesh Jiaoqun Shi, and Director General of the Directorate General of Drug Administration Major General Md Shameem Haider.
Researchers, scientists, and senior officials from various government and non-government organisations were also present at the event.
