UK APHA Highlights Outcomes of Seven-Year Project to Bolster Global AMR Laboratory Capacities
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is considered by the World Health Organization (WHO) to be one of the top ten health challenges facing humanity in the 21st century, with the emergence and spread of antibiotic-resistant pathogens threatening the ability to treat deadly infections. A UK government-commissioned report from 2016 estimates that, by 2050, approximately 300 million premature deaths attributable to drug resistance may occur.1
AMR is an important food safety issue—the excessive use of antibiotics in farmed animals is one of the leading sources of AMR infection in humans.2 A 2026 review by authors from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) argued that antimicrobial stewardship in food animal agriculture must be paired with stringent hygiene and contamination controls throughout the food chain to mitigate the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.3
In an effort to address the “silent pandemic” of AMR, the UK Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), in collaboration with the FAO Reference Center for Antimicrobial Resistance and supported by the Fleming Fund, has worked over the last seven years to help partners across Africa and Asia improve their AMR detection, analysis, and mitigation capabilities.4 Key initiatives included:
- Strengthening laboratory capacity. Equipment, supply, and testing limitations were addressed through training, mentorship, and quality assurance programs. Improving countries’ abilities to identify resistant bacteria and generate reliable data helps inform decisions, target interventions, and measure progress.
- Workforce development. UHKSA’s team delivered training, hosted scientists in UK laboratories, and supported an international community of practice; fostering cross-border and cross-sector collaboration and knowledge-sharing for the betterment of all.
- Research. UKHSA worked with partners to fill evidence gaps. For example, Studies on AMR in poultry systems and aquaculture shed new light on the spread of resistant bacteria in food production systems.
The Fleming Fund program supporting this work concluded in March 2026, but the UK FAO Reference Center for Antimicrobial Resistance is continuing its work. APHA highlighted important lessons learned across the seven-year program, including the importance of long-term partnerships; hands-on, in-country support; and reliable, stable supply chains and infrastructure to support sustained laboratory improvements.4
References
- Kassem, I. “Paradise Lost: The Impact of the Emergence of Antimicrobial Resistance on Food Safety.” Food Safety Magazine (June 2023). https://www.food-safety.com/articles/8671-paradise-lost-the-impact-of-the-emergence-of-antimicrobial-resistance-on-food-safety.
- Bole, D.K. “AMR Threats from Meat and Meat Products.” Food Safety Magazine (November 2022). https://www.food-safety.com/articles/8121-amr-threats-from-meat-and-meat-products.
- Food Safety Magazine Editorial Team. “Food Hygiene, Antimicrobial Stewardship are Equally Critical to Controlling Foodborne Drug Resistance, FAO Experts Say.” Food Safety Magazine (August 2026). https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11763-food-hygiene-antimicrobial-stewardship-are-equally-critical-to-controlling-foodborne-drug-resistance-fao-experts-say.
- Card, R. “Tackling Antimicrobial Resistance: What Seven Years of Global Work Has Taught Us.” APHA Science Blog (August 2026). https://aphascience.blog.gov.uk/2026/08/26/tackling-antimicrobial-resistance-what-seven-years-of-global-work-has-taught-us/.
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