AMR Tripartite Project
Working together to fight Antimicrobial Resistance
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Responsible use of veterinary medicines is vital for animal health, food safety, and public health. Effective pharmacovigilance (PhV) systems are essential for monitoring adverse events, ensuring product safety and efficacy, and addressing antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Similarly, strong reporting of Substandard and Falsified Veterinary Products (SFVPs) protects animals and consumers from harmful treatments.
In Southeast Asia, the maturity of these systems varies. In Malaysia, rapid growth in livestock production and veterinary services makes establishing a robust PhV and SFVP system urgent. However, challenges remain: limited awareness, weak legal frameworks, low reporting rates, poor data sharing, and resource constraints. Private practitioners and companies often lack incentives to report, while authorities struggle to evaluate and act on reports. Strengthening these systems requires technical capacity, policy commitment, coordination, and standardised procedures for timely reporting and response.
WOAH, with FAO, WHO, and EU support, is implementing a regional AMR project that prioritises PhV and SFVP systems. In partnership with Ausvet Pty Ltd, WOAH is assessing systems in six Southeast Asian countries, including Malaysia. A national workshop with Malaysia’s Department of Veterinary Services will evaluate current systems and develop actionable recommendations tailored to the national context.
Review current systems: Present and discuss Malaysia’s legal, institutional, and operational frameworks for veterinary PhV and SFVP reporting, based on survey and interview findings.
Identify gaps and successes: Highlight key challenges, gaps, and effective practices in the current systems.
Develop recommendations: Create practical, evidence-based proposals to strengthen and harmonise the national PhV system, in line with WOAH’s strategy and VICH guidelines.
Boost collaboration: Enhance stakeholder cooperation and information sharing to improve veterinary medicine governance and help combat AMR.
