June 15: The “Training on phenotypic methods, screening tests and molecular methods applied to the diagnosis of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in the framework of One Health” began this morning. This activity is part of the tripartite project “Working Together to Fight Antimicrobial Resistance” and is carried out by the National Institute of Infectious Diseases (INEI) – ANLIS “Dr. Carlos G. Malbrán” of Argentina.
This theoretical-practical training is planned in two phases: a first virtual phase, consisting of nine sessions where theoretical knowledge will be presented, and a second in-person phase, consisting of an intensive three-day practical stage, where the competencies previously presented will be put into practice. The practical and in-person phases of this training will be carried out thanks to the generous collaboration of The National Animal Health and Agri-food Quality Service (SENASA) of Argentina, in the facilities of its Central Laboratory.
The training aims to:
Dr Catya Martínez Rivas, WOAH Subregional Representative for Central America, welcomed the participants and highlighted: “This training is a real example of cooperation within the “One Health” approach, in which different areas, both human and animal health, are sharing their knowledge and looking for collaborative solutions to the problem of Antimicrobial Resistance”.
She also thanked Dr Alejandra Corso, Dr Diego Faccone and the entire team of the National Institute of Infectious Diseases – ANLIS “Dr Carlos G. Malbrán”, for carrying out this training, and Dr Ximena Melón, Director of Animal Health of SENASA of Argentina and WOAH Delegate, as well as the authorities and staff of the Central Laboratory, for sharing their facilities for the practical stage of the training.
After the opening remarks, Dr Francesca Latronico, Laboratory Specialist in Antimicrobial Resistance of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), gave a presentation on the current.
situation of AMR in animal health, introduction to integrated surveillance of AMR and the importance of sampling design, sampling conditions and referral to the laboratory.
To conclude this first day of training, Dr. Alejandra Corso gave the participants an overview of the current status of the AMR problem in human health, providing her experience and that of her Institution as Regional Reference Laboratory in AMR for the Pan American Health Organization / World Health Organization.
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.
