Cape Town, 19 September – Global animal welfare organisation, FOUR PAWS, will present its study, "A One Health Approach to Tackling Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) – Better Animal Welfare Policies for Reduced Antimicrobial Usage," including an open letter at the 8th World One Health Congress in Cape Town, South Africa, from 20-23 September 2024, bringing together policymakers, researchers, civil society, international institutions, and private sector representatives from across the globe. The research highlights the need to integrate animal welfare measures into strategies to combat AMR. The event, which will focus on One Health, antimicrobial agents and resistance, and the science-policy interface, aims to foster cross-sectoral collaboration to improve the health and well-being of humans, animals, and the environment.

Fiona Miles, Director of FOUR PAWS South Africa, states, “Antimicrobial resistance is a global health crisis, and farmed animals are at the heart of this issue, with 73% of all antimicrobials globally being used in agriculture. It is essential that we address the root causes driving this consumption, particularly in intensive farming systems. These systems, characterised by high stocking densities and poor living conditions, lead to increased stress and a higher susceptibility to infections in animals, thereby fuelling the need for more antimicrobials." The study conducted by FOUR PAWS reveals that AMR strategies in countries such as Australia, Brazil, Italy, South Africa, and the USA are falling short in addressing animal welfare. This failure not only impacts animal health but also public health, food security, and sustainable income generation. Miles adds, "Our research shows that prioritising animal welfare in farming practices results in healthier animals and a more sustainable environment, reducing the reliance on antimicrobials and supporting long-term public health goals."

The One Health approach emphasises the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. By integrating efforts across these sectors, this strategy aims to improve prevention, detection, and response to global health threats, including AMR. Miles says, "The One Health approach offers an extraordinary opportunity to enhance core capacities across sectors. It fosters more effective collaboration between human, animal, and environmental health professionals, ultimately creating a sustainable and resilient system for tackling the world's most pressing health challenges."

With the Congress taking place in Africa, there is a strong emphasis on the importance of implementing One Health strategies across the continent. Africa faces significant challenges, including a lack of supportive policies, insufficient cross-sector collaboration, and inadequate financial support for One Health initiatives. However, there are also great opportunities for African nations to lead the way in addressing these issues. FOUR PAWS believes that by bridging the science-policy gap, the Congress provides an invaluable platform to identify and advance strategic actions tailored to the African context. The organisation calls on governments and international stakeholders to prioritise the following actions:

• Develop robust policies and legislation to institutionalise and operationalise One Health, particularly in low-resource countries.
• Strengthen collaboration across the veterinary, environmental, agricultural, and human health sectors to address the emergence and spread of infectious diseases and AMR.
• Allocate financial resources strategically to support capacity building, research, and the implementation of sustainable One Health programs.

Miles concludes, “Africa has the unique opportunity to lead the global One Health movement. By integrating animal welfare into AMR strategies, we can pave the way for a healthier, safer, and more interconnected future for all."

For more information on FOUR PAWS’ participation in the 8^th World One Health Congress, visit the One Health Congress - FOUR PAWS in South Africa - Animal Welfare Organisation (four-paws.org.za) page.

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