Marrakech hosted, from October 29 to 31, 2018, participants in the work of the 2nd World Conference on Antimicrobial Resistance and the Prudent Use of Antimicrobial Agents in Animals, organized by the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) in collaboration with the National Food Safety Office (ONSSA).
This international conference, placed Under the High Patronage of HIS MAJESTY KING MOHAMMED VI May God assist him, was attended by 500 people from 136 countries, including ministers, OIE delegates and national focal points for veterinary products, experts, professionals, policy makers, international organizations and donors.
The Minister of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development and Waters and Forests, Mr. Aziz Akhannouch, affirmed that Morocco, based on the recommendations of the World Organization for Animal Health, has been committed since 2015 to stepping up the actions taken to monitor antimicrobial resistance and promote their proper use, in particular antibiotics, while welcoming the initiative taken by international organisations: the WHO, the FAO and the OIE; “…who have been working together for several years to combat the threat of antimicrobial resistance in humans, animals and the environment”.
Participants made several recommendations, including an urgent call for new research focused on priority vaccines and other alternatives to antimicrobials, phasing out the use of antibiotics for growth promotion, and the need to ensure that veterinarians , veterinary para-professionals and trained breeders work together to ensure the careful and responsible use of important drugs.
