Denmark, BD to combat antimicrobial resistance

Denmark and Bangladesh have further strengthened cooperation to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Bangladesh by working towards a prudent use of antibiotics in livestock production.

In this connection, a government-to-government cooperation deal was signed between the two countries on Sunday, according to a statement.

Terming AMR a major health threat globally, it added that in Bangladesh, there were more than 26,200 deaths caused by AMR in 2019 and it is becoming increasingly challenging to address this issue.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Danish Ambassador to Bangladesh Christian Brix Møller said, "Antimicrobial resistance is one of the top global public health threats, and a major challenge in Bangladesh."

Denmark is honoured to be in this partnership with Bangladesh to combat this health threat by working towards a more prudent use of antibiotics in food production, he noted.

This project is aimed to reduce antibiotic misuse in livestock by raising awareness and implementing a residue control plan, ensuring safer food and healthier communities, according to the statement.

Director General of Directorate General Drug Administration Shameem Haidar said, "The government-to-government cooperation between Denmark and Bangladesh is a significant step in the fight against antimicrobial resistance."

The project´s One Health approach, emphasising the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, aligns with Bangladesh's initiatives through the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR), which serves as the One Health Secretariat of Bangladesh, he noted.

This institution leads multi-sectoral efforts in zoonotic disease control, antimicrobial resistance containment, and pandemic preparedness, fostering collaboration among public health, veterinary, and environmental sectors.

The signing has solidified the commitment of both nations to continue close cooperation in the food and agricultural sector, he added.

The Danish partner to this project is the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration, and the Bangladeshi partners are Bangladesh Food Safety Authority, Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution, Directorate General Drug Administration (DGDA) and the Department of Livestock Services.

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