FAO joined Interdisciplinary Research Conference on One Health at Sargodha

The University of Sargodha has successfully launched the Pakistan One Health University Network (PakOHUN) in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of Pakistan during the Interdisciplinary Research Conference on One Health (IRCOH-2025). FAO experts focused on AMR Codex Standards, Foodborne AMR and RENOFARM.

The event brought together academic leaders, policymakers, and technical experts to highlight cross-sector collaboration under the One Health approach.

Chairman of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) Prof. Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, Vice Chancellor University of Sargodha Prof. Dr. Qaisar Abbas, Prof. Dr. Zafar Hayat and Dr. Riasat Waseeullah from FAO Pakistan along with more than twenty-five Vice Chancellors from across the country graced the inaugural session. The Conference highlighted a national commitment to integrating human, animal, and environmental health through collaborative education and research.

Foodborne AMR and Codex Standards

Pakistan One Health University Network

Interdisciplinary Research Conference on One Health (IRCOH-2025) focused on urgent global health challenges including antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and climate resilience. The FAO emphasized that Pakistan One Health University Network PakOHUN represents a major step forward in promoting integrated, interdisciplinary responses to these issues. The network is a platform to support academic and institutional collaboration, offering sustainable and science-based solutions to One Health challenges.

FAO Pakistan at Conference on One Health

FAO’s involvement extended beyond the launch, with significant contributions through its ACT (Action to support implementation of Codex AMR Texts) project. Two technical presentations were delivered under this initiative. Dr. Jorge Pinto Ferreira from FAO Headquarters presented “Antimicrobial Resistance: Our One Health Challenge,” emphasizing the urgency to control AMR through coordinated actions across food systems. Prof. Dr. Mo Salman, a global One Health expert from Colorado State University, presented “One Health Concept and its Link to Animal Health: History, Achievements, and Future Directions. FAO experts also moderated key sessions during the conference.

Training on RENOFARM at the Conference on Animal Health

A field training for poultry and dairy sector representatives was also conducted on Codex AMR guidelines and good practices, conducted in alignment with the RENOFARM initiative. Participants were trained on responsible antimicrobial use, AMR Codex Standards, Foodborne AMR, and preventive strategies to improve food safety and animal health standards.

RENOFARM (Reduce the Need for Antimicrobials on Farms for Sustainable Agrifood Systems Transformation) is a global initiative of FAO. It aims to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR) by reducing the reliance on antimicrobials in livestock production. The initiative promotes sustainable farming practices through the “5 Gs” approach. These 5 Gs include Good Health Services, Good Production Practices, Good Alternatives, Good Connections, and Good Incentives. RENOFARM is currently being piloted in various countries, with a plan to expand to over 100 countries.

In addition, the FAO delegation visited Wahdat Poultry Farm (Pvt.) Ltd. in Sargodha to observe successful practices in phasing out antibiotics from layer production.

The FAO recommended enhancing awareness activities for AMR Codex Standards, Foodborne AMR, and AMU, particularly among veterinarians and faculty members, to support the broader adoption of One Health principles in academic and professional circles.