Representatives from the equine charity, Brooke, were in New York last week to meet with United Nations member states and discuss the threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) to global health, which is a major concern for horse care and welfare.
The purpose of the UN’s High-Level Meeting was to use One Health, a collaborative approach that aims to sustainably balance and optimise the health of people, animals and ecosystems, to agree a method to reduce the spread of AMR.
Also in attendance at the meeting were government leaders and the World Organisation for Animal Health.
“Antimicrobial medicines (commonly known as antibiotics) are the cornerstone of modern medicine and public health. Brooke has long advocated for strong action to tackle the use and misuse of these valuable medicines in animals,” said Esme Wheeler, external affairs advisor at Brooke.
“We commend the commitments to improve global access to veterinary care and essential veterinary medicines and invest in animal health systems. However, we are disappointed that bolder commitments to reduce the use of antimicrobials in animals and agricultural food systems have been removed.”
The problem of AMR
The rise of AMR makes treating people and animals significantly more difficult and can cause diseases to spread or result in illness or death.
“A crucial next step is now to move forward with swift and decisive action to set targets to reduce the use and misuse of antibiotics in the livestock sector. Commercial interests must not stand in the way of action to protect animal, human and environmental health,” added Esme.
Brooke has long been at the forefront of helping to reduce the threat of AMR and, earlier this year, together with the World Veterinary Association, it launched the world’s first list of essential veterinary medicines.
The charity is also a key member of the Action for Animal Health coalition which calls on governments, donors and international agencies to support One Health.
