ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (ICAR-CIFT) recently held a three-day international training programme to combat the growing challenge of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The event, funded by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), focused on equipping researchers with the skills to utilize the FAO Assessment Tool for Laboratories and Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Systems (FAO ATLASS).
Organized by ICAR-CIFT's Microbiology, Fermentation, and Biotechnology Division, the programme saw the participation of 31 researchers from the Indian Network for Fisheries and Animal Sciences on Antimicrobial Resistance (INFAAR). The training aimed to enhance their expertise in monitoring and managing AMR, particularly within the fisheries and animal sciences sectors.
During the inaugural session, Dr. George Ninan, Director of ICAR-CIFT, underlined the urgent need to address AMR in these critical areas. He emphasized the importance of capacity-building initiatives like this programme to strengthen India’s ability to tackle the escalating AMR crisis.
AMR, a global threat, arises from random mutations and natural selection, with bacteria sometimes sharing genetic material to spread resistance across populations. This phenomenon affects humans, animals, plants, and the environment, making it a complex issue requiring coordinated efforts.
The training provided practical insights into applying the FAO ATLASS tool for laboratory and surveillance systems. It is expected to improve researchers' capacity to develop effective containment strategies, reinforcing India’s efforts in combating AMR.
