Stakeholder engagement in One Health antimicrobial resistance approaches

Summary

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a complex, cross-sectoral global health threat. AMR, along with other health risks, transcends traditional sector boundaries – it emerges and spreads across humans, animals, food systems and the environment – necessitating collaboration between human health, animal health and environmental disciplines. Therefore, a successful One Health response to AMR depends on the active engagement and collaboration of all key stakeholders, and on the alignment of actions for preserving the effectiveness of antimicrobials and thus addressing human health and animal welfare, securing food systems, safeguarding trade and economies, and strengthening resilience to future pandemics. In a multiple stakeholder landscape, international organisations and global initiatives are essential for coordinating cross-country and cross-sector actions, fostering cooperation, and facilitating data sharing through open access platforms. Currently, funding for One Health initiatives remains insufficient, despite growing recognition of their importance. This funding gap hampers the development and implementation of effective, integrated AMR strategies. Funding One Health is necessary because siloed investments are inefficient and silos increase the risk of duplicating efforts. Coordinated funding allows for integrated surveillance, stewardship and innovation across sectors, providing better solutions and long-term sustainability. The maturation of One Health programmes depends on having common goals, structured agendas, stakeholder alignment and measurable incentives, which drive meaningful and sustainable impact. Thus, cross-sector collaboration and stakeholder engagement should not be underestimated.

Keywords

Animal health – Antimicrobial resistance – Interdisciplinary – Intersectoral – One Health – Stakeholder engagement.