Nairobi, Kenya – 30 June 2025 — A powerful call for sustainable, ethical, and science-based livestock transformation echoed through the halls of the 2025 FAO Regional Conference on International Year of Camelids and Sustainable Livestock Transformation in Nairobi, as FOUR PAWS in South Africa, the African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR), and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) co-hosted a high-level side event on 11 June titled “Enhancing Farm Animal Welfare as Part of One Health Action to Curb Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR).”

The session brought together country representatives, Chief Veterinary Officers (CVOs), regional organisations, and civil society to discuss the often-overlooked role of animal welfare in achieving One Health goals and tackling antimicrobial resistance, a growing threat to both public and animal health globally

AU-IBAR Calls for Coordinated Policy Action

Representing AU-IBAR, Dr. Hiver Boussini, Senior Animal Health Officer delivered welcoming remarks on behalf of the Director of the AU-IBAR, Dr Huyam Salih highlighting the importance of aligning animal welfare with public health goals. “Promoting better welfare is not simply a moral imperative it is a strategic intervention,” he declared. “We urge all Member States and partners to recognise animal welfare as a cornerstone of effective AMR mitigation.”

Boussini reaffirmed AU-IBAR’s commitment to supporting countries in updating their National Action Plans through technical support, regional collaboration, and the implementation of the Animal Welfare Strategy for Africa (AWSA). He highlighted that stronger welfare practices directly reduce disease burden and the misuse of antimicrobials, aligning with the continental AMR control framework.

FAO Underscores One Health Integration

Speaking on behalf of FAO, Dr. Katinka de Balogh – One Health Advisor, commended the collaborative efforts shown at the event. She stressed the need for strong surveillance systems, context-specific animal husbandry models, and cross-sectoral engagement to curb antimicrobial resistance.

Balogh emphasised that FAO supports a future where better animal welfare practices not only reduce antibiotic dependency but also support food security, public health, and environmental protection under the One Health umbrella.

A Vision for Humane and Sustainable Transformation

Fiona Miles, Director of FOUR PAWS South Africa, delivered a compelling keynote address, emphasising the urgent need to embed animal welfare within sustainable livestock systems transformation. 

Miles outlined how climate stress, poor living conditions, and industrial livestock practices are accelerating animal disease outbreaks and antimicrobial use. She urged governments to integrate animal welfare into their national AMR strategies, using tools and recommendations developed by FOUR PAWS to support this transition.

Country Voices and Panel Reflections

The panel discussion, moderated by FOUR PAWS Campaigns Officer, Celiwe Shivambu featured distinguished representatives from the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), Nigeria, South Sudan, and Liberia. Each speaker shared insights into their countries' National Action Plans (NAPS) on AMR and how animal welfare could be better integrated.

• Dr. Wamalwa Kinyanjui (IGAD) highlighted the importance of harmonising national policies across the region and the role of IGAD in fostering such alignment.
• Dr. Musa Inuwa (Nigeria) spoke candidly about challenges in implementation and the value of involving civil society in AMR NAPS updates.
• Dr. Agol Malak (South Sudan) shared that their AMR NAP is pending endorsement and expressed openness to incorporating animal welfare as a core prevention measure.
• Dr. Roland Varkpeh (Liberia) emphasised the need for technical support to engage veterinary services and update existing plans.

The panelists agreed on the need for capacity building, cross-border collaboration, and a stronger policy focus on animal welfare as a tool for resilience.

Next Steps: From Dialogue to Action

The event concluded with FOUR PAWS presenting a set of evidence-based recommendations designed to help governments assess and update their AMR National Action Plans with welfare-inclusive criteria. Attendees received access to these tools, encouraging further collaboration and knowledge exchange.

This event marked a milestone in elevating animal welfare from the margins to the mainstream of sustainable development policy in Africa. It reaffirmed the shared responsibility of policymakers, veterinary professionals, civil society, and international agencies to advance a humane, equitable, and One Health-aligned livestock future.

/ENDS