The global objectives for AMR and alternatives for the animals

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global human and animal health concern, which is influenced by the use of antimicrobial agents in human and veterinary medicine, and the plant sector as recognised at the highest political level by the UN General Assembly resolution 71/3, adopted in 2016. To combat antimicrobial resistance, the World Organisation for Animal health (OIE) develops science-based intergovernmental standards and guidelines covering terrestrial and aquatic animals.
 
The OIE contributed to the development of the WHO Global Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance, that was endorsed by the OIE’s 180 Member Countries through a Resolution unanimously adopted in May 2015. On November 2016, following the request from its World Assembly of Delegates, the OIE compiled its AMR activities into a strategy.  
 
The OIE Strategy on Antimicrobial Resistance and the Prudent Use of Antimicrobials, outlines goals and activities to support Member Countries in their fight against AMR, and to encourage the national ownership and implementation of international Standards. The structure of the OIE Strategy supports the objectives established in the Global Action Plan, and reflects the mandate of the OIE, through four main objectives: i) Improve awareness and understanding; ii) Strengthen knowledge through surveillance and research; iii) Support good governance and capacity building; and iv) Encourage implementation of international standards.
 
Following these objectives, the OIE provides guidance and support to research into alternatives to antibiotics including vaccines, by working alongside partner organisations to encourage the development, uptake and registration of new tools, and validated products that will provide alternatives to the use of antibiotics and reduce the emergence and spread of AMR. In this framework, the OIE supported the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) in the organisation of the first two “International Symposia on Alternatives to Antibiotics, Challenges and Solutions in Animal Production” (September 2012 and December 2016), that were held at the OIE Headquarters in Paris. In addition, the OIE supports the efforts of the STAR-IDAZ International Research Consortium (IRC) into improving the coordination of research programmes at international level to contribute to the development of new and improved animal health strategies for several priority diseases/issues, including on AMR and on the development of alternatives to antibiotics.
 
Keywords: global, objectives, AMR, alternatives, animals.