Bangladesh must act on antibiotic overuse to meet SDGs: Farida Akhtar
Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhtar has emphasised the need for "zero tolerance" towards the misuse and unnecessary use of antibiotics to ensure safe food production and protect public health.
She stated that it is essential to take appropriate measures, in alignment with WTO policies, to maintain food safety standards in both imports and exports.
She made these remarks as the chief guest at an event titled "Fleming Fund Legacy in Bangladesh: Tackling AMR through One Health Approach", organised by the British High Commission in Dhaka at the Westin Hotel on the morning of 3 December.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
The adviser noted that Bangladesh's responsibility to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 2 (zero hunger), extends beyond increasing food production. She added that effective regulation of antibiotics and pesticides in food and livestock production is equally important.
She highlighted that preventive measures and food safety are the most effective means to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR), noting that low-income communities are disproportionately affected by the indiscriminate use of antibiotics in low-cost poultry production.
Farida Akhtar also highlighted the UK Government's Fleming Fund, which since 2020 has strengthened AMR surveillance in Bangladesh through the One Health approach. The initiative has built the capacity of farmers, veterinarians and field officers by promoting awareness of safe food production and responsible antimicrobial usage.
Emphasising the importance of One Health, she said that human health, fisheries, livestock and agriculture must collaborate, with no sector placed at the centre. She called on all stakeholders to work together to ensure safe food, raise health awareness and control antibiotic use.
Martin Dawson, Deputy Development Director at the British High Commission in Dhaka, delivered the welcome address.
Dr Md Noor Alam Siddiqui, Technical Lead of the Fleming Fund Country Grant to Bangladesh (FFCGB), presented the key achievements of the initiative.
The event was chaired by FFCGB Team Lead Professor Shah Monir Hossain. Participants included James Goldman, Deputy High Commissioner at the British High Commission in Dhaka; Professor Dr Md Abu Zafar, Director General of the Directorate General of Health Services; Dr Md Abdur Rouf, Director General of the Directorate General of Fisheries; Dr Md Abu Sufian, Director General of the Directorate General of Livestock Services; Jiaoqun Shi, FAO Country Representative in Bangladesh; and Major General Dr Md Shamim Haider, Director General of the Directorate General of Drug Administration.
Researchers, scientists and senior officials from various public and private institutions were also in attendance.
