ICARS is proud to partner with the UK Global AMR Innovation Fund (GAMRIF) to tackle antimicrobial resistance by funding an innovative project led by Porkcolombia to improve uptake of disease diagnostics at pig farms in Colombia.
Globally, swine production consumes the highest number of antimicrobials compared to other areas of livestock production. The availability of timely diagnoses is critical for reducing the inappropriate use of antimicrobials. However, existing innovations such as vaccines and diagnostics are difficult for small and medium-scale producers to access and use for managing disease.
Porkcolombia, a guild representing the pork producers of Colombia, has responded to these challenges by developing a new platform for swine health and diagnostic services – including a new veterinary and food diagnostic laboratory. This new diagnostic platform aims to:
- improve the sanitary status of farms,
- increase understanding of the occurrence of diseases,
- provide a variety of information on herd health and the different pathogens that cause swine diseases.
With funding from ICARS and GAMRIF, interdisciplinary experts on the ground will investigate the challenges and opportunities around the uptake of diagnostic services in Colombia, and their potential impact on the reduction of antibiotic use in farming.
Results from this pilot can inform the roll-out of existing or novel types of diagnostic services in other low- and middle-income (LMIC) settings, particularly emerging economies with strong animal production where livestock producers are well-organised, including other Latin American countries. This could serve as an example for these countries to consider a national and subsidised approach to provide diagnostic services in the animal sector, which could increase diagnosis and reduce inappropriate antimicrobial use.
Professor Dame Sally Davies, the UK Special Envoy on AMR
“Today’s announcement shows how much the UK values collaboration with international partners to tackle global challenges. Together, we are leading efforts to combat AMR where the burden of infection is greatest, protecting the world’s most vulnerable.
“I am pleased that the UK will be working in partnership with the International Centre for Antimicrobial Resistance Solutions to deliver vital research activities as part of GAMRIF’s commitment to a One Health approach.
“ICARS bring a wealth of expertise and an important way of working towards context-specific solutions through its close partnerships with LMIC ministries.
“Together we will use this opportunity to improve the roll-out of diagnostic services in low- and middle- income settings.”
Helle Engsland Krarup, Director of Operations, ICARS
“ICARS is pleased to partner with GAMRIF to advance the uptake of a novel subsidized diagnostic platform model to tackle AMR, by focusing on the implementation process.
“This project, conducted by Porkcolombia, will support the Colombian swine industry and enhance broad knowledge transfer on the prudent use of antimicrobials in farming.
“This will provide an important model for understanding and improving innovation uptake and could inform implementation approaches within future collaborations and initiatives to combat AMR.
“We hope this will be the start of a fruitful long-term collaboration between ICARS and GAMRIF as well as ICARS and Porkcolombia”
Corina Zambrano Moreno, Executive Vice-President, Porkcolombia
“The alliance between ICARS and Porkcolombia will allow us to understand the importance of encouraging sanitary diagnosis to use antimicrobials in an appropriate way in the swine industry in Colombia, by identifying challenges and successes in their implementation.
“Through this project an articulated work will be carried out between different institutions, which will allow a broad transfer of knowledge and the formulation of regional policies, to integrate the results of this work in policy dialogues in Latin America. ”
About ICARS
ICARS’ mission is to support low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) in their efforts to reduce drug-resistant infections through close partnerships with LMIC ministries. ICARS co-develop interventions, which provide evidence for context-specific and cost-effective solutions to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) that are fit for sustainable scale-up. Through provision of funding and expertise, ICARS supports Intervention and Implementation Research projects across the One Health spectrum to support countries AMR National Action Plans (NAP). Initiated by the Danish government, ICARS’ ambition is to become established as an international organisation, with the support of a multitude of donors including countries, foundations and organisations, with the credibility and commitment that is required to support LMICs in developing and implementing sustainable solutions to reduce drug-resistant infections.
About the Global AMR Innovation Fund (GAMRIF)
The Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) is the UK Government department which is responsible for helping people to live more independent, healthier lives for longer.
This research project is co-funded by DHSC’s Global AMR Innovation Fund (GAMRIF). GAMRIF was established to provide seed funding for innovative research and development, specifically in neglected and underinvested areas, in the field of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). GAMRIF is a c.£50m UK aid investment, which means all projects funded must support research primarily and directly for the benefit of people in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The Fund takes a ‘One Health’ approach, seeking to invest in potential solutions to reduce the threat of AMR in humans, animals, fish and the environment. The Fund seeks to leverage additional global funding through interaction with international government bodies, public-private partnerships, product development partnerships, global funding mechanisms and global fora.
