Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a threat to global health, food security and achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Tackling AMR is critical to preserving the world’s ability to treat diseases in humans, animals, and plants, reduce risks to food safety and security, protect the environment and maintain progress towards achieving the SDGs. Children and youth today will face the consequences of inaction and increased risks of AMR.
In response, six organizations - the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the United Nations Educational, Social and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) - recognize that young people can play an important role in bringing together wider society and stakeholder groups to tackle AMR.
This brief underscores the critical role that schools play in addressing AMR and outlines actions for policy-makers and school practitioners to consider. By implementing the strategies described in the brief, schools can contribute significantly to preventing and mitigating the development and spread of AMR while promoting overall health and well-being within school communities.
