Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA) has launched activities for the World Antibiotic Awareness Week which runs from 18-24 November 2019 and aims to increase awareness antibiotic resistance, under the theme "We Need You".
MEWA pointed out that the purpose of participation in the World Antibiotic Awareness Week is to ensure the responsible and optimal use of antimicrobials in animals to ensure their effectiveness, as well as to protect the public health and ensure the health and well-being of animals, and the implementation of animal welfare good practices.
MEWA also said that such participation comes in line with the royal order dated 23/10/1435H (corresponding to 19/8/2014) on the kingdom's accession to the Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA) to make a world safe and secure from infectious disease threats. One of GHSA's package of activities is combating antimicrobial resistance, including human, animal and environmental aspects, and consolidating the global efforts to reduce emergence and spread of antibiotic resistance.
MEWA affirmed its keenness to raise awareness of antibiotics resistance and the importance of judicious use to fight against antibiotic resistance, pointing out that 60% of all human diseases originate in animals, and that the greatest percentage of antimicrobials are used in livestock production and livestock health. This shows the significant role of the veterinarian in animal antimicrobial use to combat antimicrobial resistance, and to protect humans, animals and the environment. This can be done by training technical personnel to carry out such national responsibility in cooperation with the private sector, including veterinary facilities and livestock projects.