The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has designated the Faculty of Veterinary Science at Thailand’s Chulalongkorn University as a reference centre for antimicrobial resistance (AMR)
In the Asia-Pacific Region, this is the first formally designated FAO AMR Reference Centre, and the second to be designated as such globally.
“The designation further strengthens our position to support the global campaign to address (AMR) and help others when needed,” said Professor Roongroje Thanawongnuwech, dean of veterinary science at Thailand’s Chulalongkorn University.
Work at the Reference Centre is expected to add value to FAO’s own work in mitigating antimicrobial resistance in the Asia-Pacific region by providing scientific and technical expertise, diagnostic services, laboratory and field training, coordinating research and developmental studies, and in contributing to FAO projects.
“FAO expects that the Reference Centre at Chulalongkorn University will further contribute significantly to multi-sectoral efforts to address AMR,” said Katinka de Balogh, FAO’s senior animal health and production officer.
FAO developed the guideline in collaboration with Chulalongkorn University Veterinary AMR Cluster (CU VET AMR) in consultations with global and regional stakeholders and experts, especially in Southeast Asia.
The publication “Monitoring and surveillance of antimicrobial resistance in bacteria from healthy animals” is centred on healthy animals for consumption and on the protection of public health. It provides guidelines on the design of AMR monitoring and surveillance, with a particular emphasis on relevant epidemiology and laboratory methods including data management. The publication of this guideline is part of the activities of the USAID-funded Regional AMR Project.
