The first phase of the “Training on phenotypic methods, screening tests and molecular methods applied to the diagnosis of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in the framework of One Health” finished on 31 August. This activity is part of the tripartite project “Working Together to Fight Antimicrobial Resistance” and was carried out by the National Institute of Infectious Diseases (INEI) – ANLIS “Dr. Carlos G. Malbrán” of Argentina.
More than 75 participants from 14 countries in the region took part in this training. This first virtual phase consisted of nine sessions, covering the following topics:
Dr Maria Mesplet, Project Officer, said: “We are very pleased to have been able to extend the invitation to all Spanish speaking countries in the region and to have had such a high level of participation. This confirms the interest in seeking collaborative solutions to the problem of antimicrobial resistance”. She also stressed the commitment of the National Institute of Infectious Diseases (INEI) – ANLIS “Dr Carlos G. Malbrán” of Argentina to carry out this training.
Dr Alejandra Corso from the National Institute of Infectious Diseases – ANLIS “Dr Carlos G. Malbrán” commented: “We believe that this type of initiative has a very important impact on countries in the region, as knowledge of the determinants of resistance through phenotypic and molecular diagnostic tests are a fundamental link in controlling the spread of AMR in both human and animal health. States and international organisations, such as WOAH, are working on different strategies to address the AMR problem with a “One Health” vision. Such actions are aligned with the overall objective of preserving the usefulness of antibiotics for the treatment of infectious diseases by promoting their responsible use and ensuring their accessibility to the whole population”.
Dr Diego Faccone, also from the team of the National Institute of Infectious Diseases – ANLIS “Dr Carlos G. Malbrán”, stressed: “This activity was designed so that animal health laboratories can complement or add new methodologies for AMR diagnosis with the aim of reinforcing the action plans that are being implemented in our region“.
The practical stage and closing of the training will take place in mid-September at the Central Laboratory of the National Service for Agri-Food Health and Quality (SENASA) of Argentina.
About the project “Working Together to Fight Antimicrobial Resistance”
To strengthen the control of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the Americas region, tripartite (WOAH, FAO and PAHO) is implementing the project “Working Together to Fight Antimicrobial Resistance” funded by the European Union. The seven beneficiary countries of the project are: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Paraguay, Peru and Uruguay.
The objective of this project is to support the selected countries in the implementation of their National Action Plans (NAP), share experiences, advocate best practices and promote collaboration.
