By Cathleen Muchena
Harare – Zimbabwe celebrated a key milestone in its battle against antimicrobial resistance (AMR) with the conclusion of the Antimicrobial Resistance Multi-Partner Trust Fund (AMR MPTF) project, during a ceremony attended by national and international stakeholders.
Speaking on behalf of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, Livestock Development Officer for Southern Africa Dr Berhanu Bedane, praised the project’s achievements and reaffirmed FAO’s ongoing commitment to tackling AMR through collaborative, science-based strategies.
“This is not just a closing event,” Dr. Bedane said. “It is a moment to celebrate the significant strides made in addressing antimicrobial resistance through collaborative and coordinated action.”
The AMR MPTF initiative, implemented under the One Health approach, saw coordinated efforts across human, animal, and environmental health sectors.
FAO’s role was central to supporting practical, evidence-based interventions in the animal health sector, with a focus on reducing the misuse of antimicrobials in agriculture.
Promoting Safer Farming Practices
A major highlight of FAO’s contribution was the rollout of Farmer Field Schools in eight districts—Chegutu, Masvingo, Marondera, Murewa, Mutare, Mutasa, and Zvimba.
These schools promoted improved husbandry practices within the broiler value chain, enhancing biosecurity and disease prevention at the community level. These efforts helped reduce antimicrobial use among farmers, supported by a detailed Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) survey, and tailored training materials.
Boosting Vaccine Production and Prevention Efforts
In line with Zimbabwe’s transition from treatment to prevention, FAO also worked closely with the Department of Veterinary Services and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) to strengthen local vaccine production. Milestones included stability trials for the Theileriosis vaccine, training for field personnel in Manicaland, and procurement of critical laboratory supplies to boost capacity at the Central Veterinary Laboratory.
“The support provided through this project is not just technical; it is part of a broader process to institutionalize AMR mitigation across policy, practice, and behaviour,” said Dr. Tiruneh.
Aligning with National and Global Goals
The project’s implementation aligned with Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy, the Global Action Plan on AMR, the FAO Country Programming Framework (2022–2026), and the FAO Strategic Framework 2022–2031. These frameworks aim to create efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems to support the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Sustaining the Momentum
As the AMR MPTF project phase concludes, Dr Bedane emphasized that the foundations laid would contribute to lasting national capacity in responding to antimicrobial resistance threats.
“These activities have been embedded within national systems and aligned with government priorities,” he said. “They are designed with continuity in mind.”
Looking ahead, FAO and its Quadripartite partners—WHO, WOAH, and UNEP—will continue supporting the implementation of Zimbabwe’s AMR National Action Plan 2.0, consolidating progress and identifying new opportunities for collaboration.
A Shared Commitment
Dr. Bedane closed his remarks by thanking the Government of Zimbabwe, FAO’s Tripartite partners, donors, and all stakeholders who contributed to the project’s success.
“FAO stands ready to continue supporting Zimbabwe in developing science-based, locally led, and sustainable solutions to combat antimicrobial resistance—safeguarding the health of people, animals, and ecosystems for generations to come.”
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