Lao PDR and partners rally for unified multisectoral action against antimicrobial resistance

Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR, 18 November 2025 – The Government of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the World Health Organization (WHO) in Lao PDR, Fondation Mérieux, local and international partners, academic institutions, hospital, healthcare providers and private sectors, today launched an official meeting at Landmark Hotel to recognize the rising global public health threat called Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) , and to promote the awareness among the public through annual World AMR Awareness Week (WAAW) event as a multisectoral effort pledge.

The World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week (WAAW) is celebrated worldwide each year in November to raise awareness about AMR and inspire action to preserve the effectiveness of life-saving medicines. While AMR can occur as a natural phenomenon, its threat has been accelerated by the overuse and misuse of antimicrobials in both human and animal health, as well as the declining development of new antibiotics. If current trends continue, global research warns that by 2050, AMR could cause up to 10 million deaths annually and result in an estimated US$100 trillion loss of economic output. Now more than ever, collective action is needed to ensure antimicrobials remain effective for generations to come.

Ms Aphone Visathep, Vice Minister of Health, noted that Lao PDR has joined the global community in marking the WAAW Week annually, calling for urgent action to preserve the effectiveness of life-saving medicines. Ms Aphone Visathep emphasized that antimicrobial resistance threatens to reverse decades of progress in public health. To respond to the phenomenon, Lao PDR is strengthening surveillance, infection prevention, and responsible use of medicines to protect the people. Nevertheless, tackling AMR requires solidarity and commitment across all sectors to ensure that every citizen has access to safe, effective treatment when they need it.

The week-long campaign underscores the growing threat of AMR and the need for a united response across human, animal, and environmental sectors to safeguard health, food security, and the environment.

Mr Kikeo Singnavong, Vice Minister of Agriculture and Environment, highlighted the importance of sustainable farming and environmental stewardship, recognizing that farmers and veterinarians are on the frontlines of this challenge. By promoting responsible use of antimicrobials in livestock, improving biosecurity, and protecting ecosystems, the health of people, animals and the environment will be safeguarded while the food systems and natural resources that sustain the nation will be secured. Mr Kikeo Singnavong also emphasized that AMR is a shared responsibility, and agriculture and environment play a vital role in tackling this phenomenon.

The theme for 2025, “Act Now: Protect Our Present, Secure Our Future”, is designed to encourage the best practices worldwide among the public, communities, health workers, farmers, policymakers, and development partners. The campaign is also calling for immediate actions from all sectors to take part in the perseverance of the effectiveness of life-saving medicines and sustaining robust surveillance systems across human, animal and environmental sectors, as part of a healthier future for all.

Dr Timothy Armstrong, WHO Representative to Lao PDR, expressed appreciation for joint efforts to support the global high-level commitment targets to fight against AMR. Dr Timothy Armstrong congratulated the Lao PDR on its impressive efforts and significant progress in combating AMR over the past decade, as global and regional threats continue to grow. Dr Timothy Armstrong reaffirmed WHO’s strong commitment regionally and globally to tackling AMR and highlighted the importance of multisectoral collaboration among the government, international partners, and civil society organizations. This gathering emphasizes shared leadership and collective responsibility among partners and key stakeholders, strengthening coordination to promote impactful actions against AMR at all levels. Dr Timothy Armstrong stresses the importance of multisectoral collaboration, ongoing collective support, and partner commitments to implement the updated National Strategic Plan for AMR in Lao PDR, extending beyond the Fleming Fund.

Dr David Raminashvili, Country Representative to Lao PDR, Fondation Mérieux, underscored that these nationwide community awareness and youth engagement initiatives were vital to shaping responsible behaviors. To ensure the intended outcomes in the fight against AMR, Dr David Raminashvili reaffirmed that Fondation Mérieux is proud to stand with Lao PDR and partners in supporting strong scientific foundations and robust laboratory systems, while building surveillance networks and knowledge-sharing across human, animal, and environmental health. By investing in science, training, and partnerships, communities will be better protected and medicines will remain effective for generations to come. The One Health approach is not just a principle—it is the path forward to safeguard health, food security, and sustainable development.

Lao PDR has already proven its commitment to the One Health approach. The collaboration between the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment is strong evidence of the One Health principle in addressing the challenges and impacts of AMR on public health, food security, and economic growth. The establishment of a multi-sectoral AMR Committee and the advancement of the National Strategic Plan for AMR (2026-2030) are also the results of the model.

Ms Kim Kyung-Mee, FAO Representative to Lao PDR, stressed that AMR is a silent pandemic and it is a crisis that moves in the shadows, but its impact is as profound as climate change. Because food and agriculture are central to the AMR challenge, FAO is proud to support Lao PDR in building resilient food systems that reduce reliance on antimicrobials in agriculture, livestock and aquaculture; promote biosecurity, good hygiene and good farming practices; implement active AMR surveillance in livestock and aquaculture; strengthen laboratory capacities; and protect livelihoods while realizing better production, better nutrition, better environment and better life for all. Ms Kim Kyung-Mee also called for commitments from all sectors to rise to the challenge and take stronger and more decisive measures collectively to confront AMR and its escalating threats. She ensured that, together, safe food and healthy environments will remain for the next generations.

Throughout the week, Lao PDR will host community awareness campaigns, technical workshops, school outreach programs, and media dialogues to highlight the risks of AMR and promote practical solutions. The youth-led initiatives, including debates and art competitions, will be organized to encourage and engage the next generation in protecting the future of medicines. These activities are part of the country’s National Action Plan for AMR (2026-2030), which aligns with the global strategy led by the Quadripartite organizations (FAO, WHO, the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH), and the UN Environment Program (UNEP)).