Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) – the ability of microbes to resist antimicrobials – remains an alarming global health threat. This report identifies 11 One Health “best buys” that, if implemented systematically, would improve population health, reduce health expenditure and generate positive returns for the economy.

This catalogue aims to improve the dissemination and outreach of FAO’s knowledge products and overall publishing programme. By providing information on its key publications in every area of FAO’s work, and catering to a range of audiences, it thereby contributes to all organizational outcomes. From statistical analysis to specialized manuals to children’s books, FAO publications cater to a diverse range of audiences. This catalogue presents a selection of FAO’s main publications, produced in 2020 or earlier, ranging from its global reports and general interest publications to numerous specialized titles. In addition to the major themes of agriculture, forestry and fisheries, it also includes thematic sections on climate change, economic and social development, and food safety and nutrition.

This accessible textbook provides the first comprehensive synthesis of both the societal and environmental drivers of emerging infectious disease in humans, from prehistory to the present day. It discusses the applications of these ideas for global health policies and future research.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is the ability of microorganisms to fight antimicrobial compounds, reducing the efficacy of treating diseases in humans, animals, and plants. AMR risk is outpacing human population growth, owing to misuse of antimicrobials in large quantities in food systems, and is a serious threat to food security and sustainable development. FAO, with the World Health Organization (WHO), the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE), and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), is supporting countries in developing and implementing their One Health National Action Plans on AMR. The eventual aim is to ensure sustainable use of antimicrobials to minimize AMR risks, in alignment with the Global Action Plan on AMR. The scope of the evaluation covers FAO’s entire work on AMR up to early 2020 and its role in the global AMR architecture. It examines FAO’s organizational and institutional set-up for AMR work. FAO has a strong mandate to work on AMR, implementing activities in 45 countries and providing far-reaching support on AMR National Action Plans (NAPs). FAO’s technical expertise is a key comparative advantage in its work on AMR. It is underpinned by the strong scientific grounding of FAO’s work, engendered in its AMR working groups and supported by its collaboration with research centers, universities, and the Tripartite organizations. Nevertheless, the work is relatively recent and, given the long impact pathways, it has had limited results. A comprehensive strategic and programmatic approach would increase the likelihood of achieving results in combating AMR. FAO should prioritize its work in a long-term strategy on AMR that recognizes the seriousness of the threat and is fully integrated into the Organization’s Strategic Framework. The strategy should set out FAO’s long-term role in combating AMR and that of its divisions and offices, as well as its approach at the country and regional level. FAO should consolidate its work on AMR through a strong programmatic approach with a central coordination and management structure that links with the Regional Offices and is supported by dedicated core funding.

These guidelines focus on responsible use of antimicrobials in sustainable apiculture. Following a one-health approach, they aim to protect not only honey bees, but even human health (e.g. reducing the risks of residues in hive products and preventing development of antimicrobial resistance) and the environment. The best way to reach this goal is to prevent and to guarantee the early detection of clinical cases of the main honey bee diseases through the application of good beekeeping practices and biosecurity measures. And when medicines are needed for the honey bees, specific indication is provided to reduce their impact: choosing medicines with a low environmental impact, using them timely, prudently and following the due instructions. It is imperative to apply only those active ingredients that are registered for the honey bees and that are ideally prescribed by a veterinarian. Antibiotics should always be avoided as much as possible to reduce risks of residues in hive products and to prevent risks of antimicrobial resistance. Prudent and limited use of antimicrobials in beekeeping benefits the quality of bee products and the safety of surrounding ecosystems, while also slowing development of antimicrobial resistance, which is a widespread issue affecting multiple sectors. Finally, in this document, for the first time, a progressive management pathway (PMP) has been devised for honey bees, as well as surveys were created to assess current beekeeping practices and general awareness of topical issues such as AMR. The overall aim of these guidelines is to provide information of current challenges within the sector and orientate towards sustainable production and honey bee colony health.

The WHO Policy Guidance on Integrated Antimicrobial Stewardship Activities was developed after global consultations and is anchored in public health guiding principles in the human health sector.

In 2019, the Tripartite Joint Secretariat (FAO, OIE, and WHO) launched the AMR Multi-Partner Trust Fund (MPTF) to scale up action in low- and lower-middle-income countries to address antimicrobial resistance (AMR) as well as set up joint, global-level activities. In 2020, the Tripartite put in place the necessary frameworks, tools, and standards to select countries and develop global programmes that will be supported by the MPTF. The following report will provide an overview of the country and global projects, their current implementation status, the fund’s financial resources as well as the next steps.