Antimicrobial resistance is one of the biggest challenges in recent decades. Its complexity requires a holistic approach that is able to account for every aspect of the problem. From antimicrobial use in humans and animals, to the contamination of the environment due to poor husbandry practices and inappropriate waste management, and resulting gender inequity, AMR can only be tackled if all involved actors are part of the solution.
To respond to this challenge, the CGIAR AMR hub develops research on antimicrobial use in agriculture and aquaculture, antimicrobial resistance in the human-animal-environmental interface, and how antimicrobial stewardship programs could be implemented. Our research is context-driven and systems-oriented, combining social and biological sciences. With AMR research in agriculture and aquaculture and understanding linkages to public health outcomes, we can reap solutions emerging from our transdisciplinary approach.
AMR research coordinated through the hub aims to complement the efforts of other research groups while focussing on challenges and knowledge gaps in LMICs. We aim to do research that leads to scalable solutions that are evidence-based and thoroughly tested, and overcome potential barriers to their adoption. A pivotal part of our strategy is the ability to foster synergies between partners within the CGIAR, academic institutions worldwide, national research systems, and development partners.
Through our research, we aim to reduce and refine AMU in agriculture and aquaculture and its impact on the environment, and to facilitate evidence-based communication around agriculture-associated AMR. This will help to mitigate AMR risks for people and contributes to improving the sustainability of global food and health systems.
The implementation framework of our strategy builds on five pillars:
- Understand knowledge, attitude, practices, and incentives for antimicrobial use or reduction in use and role of formal and informal markets.
- Research AMR transmission dynamics at the human-animal-environmental interface in different agricultural systems;
- Design and evaluate interventions to reduce and more effectively use antimicrobials in agriculture;
- Support evidence-based policy dialogue for antimicrobial surveillance and AMR strategies; and
- Capacity development across stakeholders.
