During WAAW 2021, Myanmar organised a series of three public communication events to engage livestock farmers, importers and producers. Using OIE communication materials, these promoted prudent use of antimicrobials and good farming practices.
On 19th November, a seminar on “Biochemical Resistance Awareness” was organised at the Shan Yoma (Nyaung Shwe) Livestock Production Zone. The 50 participants were mainly poultry and dairy farmers, and also included representatives from the Livestock Breeding and Veterinary Department (LBVD) in Shan State, researchers, and feed shop staff. This is one of the largest poultry production zones in Myanmar, producing 1,000,000 eggs each day. In his opening remarks, Dr Myint Thein, Director of Public Health, Ministry of Health for Shan State Region, highlighted the need for a One Health approach to fight AMR in all sectors. Dr Aung Htun, Assistant Director, LBVD Nay Pyi Taw, outlined current measures to control AMR/antimicrobial use (AMU) in the livestock sector, with key messages on AMU in poultry. Dr Aye Min Thwe, Myanmar Livestock Federation, presented on the role of private sectors, with good practices to combat AMR.
A similar seminar held on 22nd November was attended by 50 participants, including farmers, antimicrobial distributors, and LBVD representatives. Dr Myint Thein, Assistant Director for LBVD Tatkone Township, gave opening remarks about the need to control AMU in farms. Dr Aung Htun outlined legislations for AMR regulations in livestock, implementation of the national action plan on AMR, and antimicrobials prohibited in animal feed. Dr Aye Mon Htun, Assistant Director, LBVD Tatkone Township, discussed public health activities against AMR. Dr Zaw Htoo Myint, Myanmar Livestock Federation, spoke of the role of private sectors to combat AMR, highlighting consumer preference for organic animal products.
A social media campaign was conducted on Facebook. The virtual seminar on 25th November was streamed online and attracted 90 participants. Dr Ye Tun Win, Director General of LBVD and OIE Delegate, gave opening remarks, with the key message that AMR is a shared concern for both animal and human sectors in developed and developing countries, necessitating One Health collaboration in Myanmar. Dr Lesa Thompson, OIE RRAP, outlined recent OIE support for AMR events in Myanmar, and encouraged stakeholders from all sectors to become champions of the global AMR response – among their families, communities, and places of work. Dr Min Thein Maw shared success stories in combating AMR/AMU. Dr L Htoo Pe, National Health Laboratory, Ministry of Health, presented the “National Action Plan for Containment of Antimicrobial Resistance Myanmar (2017-2022)” and associated achievements. Dr Aung Kyaw Oo, Myanmar Livestock Federation, spoke of the role of the private sector with good practices such as production of antibiotic-free eggs, meat and milk. Dr Moe Moe Thein, Assay Laboratory, shared details of veterinary drug quality control. Dr Hla Hla Thein, an antibiotic-free egg producer, shared her success story.
These events increased awareness of participants in various aspects of AMR – including alternatives to antimicrobials (e.g. vaccination, good animal husbandry and biosecurity), appropriate AMU in livestock, collection of AMU data, laboratory detection of antimicrobials in animal feed, and regulations for antimicrobials. They successfully engaged with stakeholders from many fields to discuss AMR in Myanmar.
Spread awareness: Stop Resistant (Blue Campaign)
Virtual Seminar (25-11-2021)
Myanmar Livestock Federation
Director General opening remark
Nyaung Shwe Livestock Production Zone
Shan Yoma Livestock Production Zone
Nay Pyi Taw, Tatkone, Kan Gyi Livestock Production Zone
Nay Pyi Taw, Tatkone, Kan Gyi Livestock Production Zone
