Dhaka: Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter has called for a strict zero-tolerance policy to combat the misuse and unnecessary use of antibiotics. Emphasizing the importance of proper control of antibiotics and pesticides in food production and the livestock sector, she highlighted the need for compliance with World Trade Organization (WTO) standards to ensure safe food in both import and export.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Farida made these remarks at the event 'Fleming Fund Legacy in Bangladesh: Tackling AMR through One Health Approach' hosted by the British High Commission in Dhaka at Hotel Westin. She underscored that achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG-2 (Zero Hunger), requires more than merely increasing food production. Farida warned about the severe impact of widespread and unnecessary antibiotic use on the poor, especially in low-cost poultry farming.
The adviser stressed the importance of prevention and food safety in the fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR). She noted that the UK government's 'Fleming Fund' has significantly enhanced Bangladesh's AMR surveillance capacity since 2020 through the 'One Health approach,' improving the knowledge and skills of farmers, veterinarians, and field officers. This initiative has led to safer food production and more responsible antimicrobial use.
Highlighting that One Health is a shared responsibility, Farida asserted that all sectors, including human health, fisheries, livestock, and agriculture, must collaborate equally. She urged collective action to ensure safe food, promote health awareness, and control antibiotic use.
The event featured a welcome address by Martin Dawson, Deputy Development Director of the British High Commission in Dhaka, and a presentation of the program's key achievements by Dr. Md Noor E Alam Siddique, Technical Lead of the Fleming Fund Country Grant to Bangladesh (FFCGB). The programme, chaired by FFCGB Team Lead Professor Shah Monir Hossain, was attended by senior officials, researchers, scientists, and representatives from government and private organizations.