Notification 2016-069

Dear Madam/Sir, The World Health Organization (WHO), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) have jointly called for a holistic “One Health” approach to address common cross-sectoral environmental, human and animal health threats including those posed by antibiotic resistant pathogens. The value of the “One Health” has also been recognized by the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) through its decisions XII/18 and XII/21. In this context, I would also like to draw your attention to recent guidance related to antimicrobial resistance, notably the WHO Global Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance and the OIE Standards, Guidelines and Resolution on antimicrobial resistance and the use of antimicrobial agents. There is a growing body of scientific evidence to suggest that antimicrobial resistance threatens global public, animal and environmental health. The use of antimicrobial agents is increasingly widespread in terrestrial and aquatic food production systems including aquaculture, livestock production and crop culture. These threats are most pronounced in countries in which regulatory surveillance, legislation and monitoring systems are weak. Further to decision XII/21 on Biodiversity and Human Health, which encourages Parties and other Governments to promote cooperation between sectors and agencies responsible for biodiversity and those responsible for human health, I encourage Parties to make use of this guidance in their interactions with relevant national counterparts from the agriculture and health sectors on the risks associated with the use of antimicrobial agents in animal and food production and related impacts on ecosystems, habitats, wildlife, and human populations. Linkages between the use of antimicrobial agents, antimicrobial resistance and biodiversity are also examined in the joint WHO/CBD State of Knowledge Review, Connecting Global Priorities: Biodiversity and Human Health, released in 2015, and reflected in recommendation XIX/6 of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice, which will be considered at the thirteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the CBD, to be held in Cancun, Mexico in December 2016.

Executive Secretary

To: CBD National Focal Points, SBSTTA Focal Points and relevant organizations