VET Mends, the extension arm of CVM, partners with the Philippine One Health University Network (PhilOHUN) in conducting a capacity building on antimicrobial stewardship among veterinary students and representatives from the agri-poultry supply sector.

With the aim to educate participants on the elemental facts of antimicrobial use and resistance and train them to become good antimicrobial stewards, the workshop gathers 70 veterinary students and ten agri-poultry suppliers from Baybay City.

The workshop was held on August 27, 2024, at CVM B-14 and Pavilion Classroom for the morning and afternoon sessions. Five personnel from the Baybay Local Government Unit, led by Dr. Jose L. Bacusmo, the City Councilor for the Committee on Agriculture, also attended the event. In his message, Dr. Bacusmo said, “The topic on AMR is personally relevant to me as I have pets at home that are given antimicrobials.”

Three staff from PhilOHUN, namely Dr. Ma. Fe S. Bulao, PhilOHUN Treasurer and project leader for Antimicrobial resistance – Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (AMR-KAP), Ms. Angela Dizon, Project staff, and Mr. Christian M. Mañalac, PhilOHUN Admin and Finance Officer, were sent to VSU to facilitate the activity. Dr. Bulao affirmed to the participants that “we are not enemies but partners in the fight of AMR.” Dr. Marjorie A. Cortes, CVM faculty, delivered a topic on antimicrobial use and resistance, and Dr. Lotis M. Balala, project area coordinator, on the AMR-KAP survey results among agri-poultry suppliers. Dr. Agnes M. Taveros, head of the Department of Veterinary Basic Sciences, thanked PhilOHUN and recognized their efforts in advocating antimicrobial stewardship to boost initiatives to reduce AMR.

It is necessary to continue organizing capacity building and expanding participation among stakeholders involved in animal health and agriculture. Initiatives toward such progress will help foster continued collaboration among academia, governments, and other industry players in sustaining efforts geared at improving antimicrobial stewardship and efforts against AMR.

[This article aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals: No. 3 (Good Health and Well-being), No. 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and No. 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production)].

 

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