ZIZ News (Chaïra Flanders) — The Department of Agriculture held an opening ceremony to launch a pilot workshop on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) on Monday morning.
An antimicrobial is an agent that kills micro-organisms or stops their growth. This is seen when antibiotics are used against bacteria and antifungals are used against fungi.
However, antimicrobial resistance is evident when bacteria becomes resistant to antibiotics.
The workshop seeks to address how “Antimicrobial resistance is fast emerging as a threat to human and animal health in the Federation.”
During the presentation, Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr. Tracey Challenger said overuse and misuse of antibiotics in animals has been linked to the rising threat and explained the importance of addressing the issue.
Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Eugene Hamilton explained that preventative measures discussed during the workshop are essential when trying to prevent the development of superbugs that can lead to the death of people and animals.
The workshop will help to identify actions to be taken in the short term to enhance the level of implementation of the St. Kitts National Action Plan on Anti-Microbial Resistance.
Livestock farmers, representatives from the Ministry of Health, the Department of Environment, the Bureau of Standards, the Dept. of Agriculture, Customs Department and Livestock sector are taking part in the workshop.
The sessions run from 9 am to 3:30 pm daily and will wrap up on Wednesday November 13.