Through signing of a new project Denmark and Bangladesh have further strengthened cooperation on food and agriculture to support a safe and sustainable food production in Bangladesh. This new project will address the critical issue of antimicrobial resistance and misuse of antibiotics in food production. On Wednesday 20 November, Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI) and the Danish Embassy on behalf of the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration, signed this three-year Strategic Sector Cooperation Project.
18-24 November is also Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Awareness week, and one of the challenges that creates antimicrobial resistance is the misuse of antibiotics in food production. The number of AMR deaths in Bangladesh is higher than deaths from chronic respiratory, diabetes and kidney diseases.
Danish Ambassador to Bangladesh, H.E. Mr. Christian Brix Møller said ´Antimicrobial resistance is one of the top global public health threats, and a major challenge in Bangladesh. Denmark is honoured to be in this partnership with Bangladesh to work towards high standard food production for the population. ´
Mr. S. M. Ferdous Alam, Director General of BSTIalso said´This initiative will strengthen the relationship between Bangladesh and Denmark. Such collaboration will be fruitful as Denmark is pioneering in best practices in this area of work. The involvement of DVFA will also enhance our knowledge and capabilities, and improve the efficiency of dairy production in Bangladesh. Moreover, it will ensure better nutrition from a novel food source and ultimately contribute to the economy. We also believe that, under this project, all relevant regulators will have the opportunity to work together for the national interest, advancing a One Health approach. ´
This week an expert delegation from the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration will also hold discussions with the partners of this project including Bangladesh Government with Department of Livestock Services (DLS), Bangladesh Food Safety Authority (BFSA), Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI) and Directorate General Drug Administration (DGDA) on how to ensure and promote a more prudent use of antibiotics to reduce and avoid AMR in Bangladesh. These exchanges will be held in line with the theme for the World AMR Awareness Week 2024 which is “Educate. Advocate. Act now.”
