Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter has expressed concerns over the indiscriminate use of antibiotics, which she says not only destroys harmful bacteria but also eradicates beneficial bacteria in the human body.
“The antibiotics consumed by humans often find their way back into the environment, posing additional risks,” she told a seminar held at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel on Tuesday, marking ‘World Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Awareness Week 2024.
Farida Akhter said antibiotics are meant to combat harmful bacteria, but their excessive and improper use is leading to the destruction of beneficial bacteria as well. “The alarming fact is that these antibiotics re-enter the environment, yet this issue receives little attention. We must act decisively to address this challenge.”
Discussing the concept of ‘One Health’, the Adviser noted that a narrow focus on the health ministry could limit the broader scope of health-related issues. “We must rethink whether ‘One Health’ means focusing solely on the health ministry or adopting a multidisciplinary approach that integrates the fisheries and livestock sectors,” she said.
One Health is a collaborative, multisectoral, and transdisciplinary approach that operates at local, regional, national, and global levels. Its goal is to achieve optimal health outcomes by recognizing the interconnectedness of people, animals, plants, and their shared environment.
Farida stressed the delayed efforts in raising awareness about antimicrobial resistance and urged immediate action. “The time to act is now. Every moment is critical. We need to understand the problem fully and take responsibility for targeted interventions,” she said.
Referring to the increasing reliance on antibiotics, she pointed out, “Our life expectancy may have improved, but this does not mean we are healthier. Dependency on medicines does not equate to well-being. We must strive for a life where health is not entirely reliant on medication.”
She emphasised that improper antibiotic use not only leads to increased resistance but also escalates healthcare costs, leaving people more vulnerable to illnesses.
Farida also raised concerns over the term “safe food,” suggesting it implies that food safety remains a concern, and called for greater efforts to ensure food safety and urged the engagement of young people in this endeavour.
“The revolution of July-August demonstrated the potential of our youth to lead the nation forward,” she said, adding that schools and colleges should integrate awareness programmes on safe food and antimicrobial resistance into their curricula.
Speakers at the seminar emphasised the importance of ensuring proper use of antibiotics in animal-based food production and veterinary practices.
They highlighted the need for good farming practices, raising awareness among farmers about withdrawal periods for antibiotics, and encouraging alternative solutions wherever possible.
Dr Mohammad Reyazul Haque, Director General of the Department of Livestock Services, chaired the seminar, while Fisheries and Livestock Secretary ATM Mustafa Kamal, Dr Shakila Farooq, Director General of the Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute, and other distinguished experts spoke on the issue.
Dr Eric Brum, Country Team Leader for the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) in Bangladesh, and Prof Dr Nitish Chandra Debnath, Chief of Party for System Strengthening for One Health, also joined the event.
