Campaign from Jan to rein in overuse of antibiotics: Adviser

Adviser Farida Akter speaking at a Veterinary Vaccine Conference 2025 held this morning at the Livestock Research Institute (LRI) in Mohakhali, Dhaka on Saturday.

Dhaka, Dec 13 – Advisor to the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock Farida Akhter on Saturday said that an extensive awareness program will be launched in January to reduce the use of antibiotics and increase public consciousness regarding its bad effects, including antimicrobial resistance.

The Advisor stated that various initiatives are planned to prevent unnecessary antibiotic usage and build awareness among the public, which will play an effective role in protecting public health.

Adviser Farida made the remarks as the chief guest at the inaugural ceremony of the ‘Veterinary Vaccine Conference 2025’ held this morning at the Livestock Research Institute (LRI) in Mohakhali, Dhaka.

Regarding the role of vaccines in health security, the Fisheries and Livestock Advisor emphasized the critical importance of veterinary vaccines for animal health, public health, food security, and overall economic development.

She commended the ‘Veterinary Vaccine Conference’ as a timely and significant initiative that enables the vital exchange of knowledge and experience.

Farida warned that neglecting disease prevention leads to the unnecessary use of antibiotics, thereby increasing the risk of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). This risk is escalating not only among humans but also in animals.

She stressed the need to strengthen vaccination programs to reduce the requirement for antibiotics and underscored the necessity of effective measures to stop the incorrect application of antibiotics.

“It is not enough just to rear livestock; animals, like humans, require care, treatment, and disease prevention,” he added.

"The health of the animals that humans consume as food significantly depends on human health,” he opined.

Focus on self-sufficiency in vaccine production while immunization programs are ongoing to control infectious diseases such as Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), Lumpy Skin Disease, PPR, and Anthrax, the Advisor highlighted the importance of building the country's own capacity for vaccine production. 

The conference featured a keynote address by Professor Dr. Robyn Alders of the Australian National University, who presented a paper titled ‘Preventing pandemics, improving food security: sustainable control of vaccine preventable animal disease in resource-limited settings.’

The opening session was chaired by Dr. Md. Abu Sufian, Director General of the Department of Livestock Services. Dr. Md. Mostofa Kamal, Director of LRI, delivered the welcome speech and provided an overview of the context at the beginning of the conference. Dr. Shakila Faruk spoke as a special guest.

The event was attended by experts, researchers, and policymakers from the livestock sector. - UNB