AMR Codex Texts (ACT) project now has a coordinator in Pakistan
The new AMR Codex Texts (ACT) project “Implementation of Codex standards to support containment and reduction of foodborne antimicrobial resistance” now has a national project coordinator in Pakistan to lead activities in the country, Dr. Farooq Tahir.
“Pakistan is a country of about 220 million people and has an agro livestock-based economy, where 40 percent of the population is directly or indirectly engaged with livestock farming. Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is an emerging public health challenge, not only globally but also locally, with serious food safety and food security implications. I am very excited to join this important project”, said Tahir on his appointment.
In his new position, Dr. Tahir will be responsible for coordinating activities to increase AMR awareness, surveillance, and governance in Pakistan. He is a veterinary microbiologist and field epidemiologist with about ten years of experience in disease diagnosis, monitoring, and surveillance.
“In addition to his strong technical knowledge, Farooq’s familiarity with the national AMR stakeholders through his previous work with the Government of Pakistan and the Fleming Fund will be crucial for achieving the ACT Project’s goals”, said Peter Flanagan, the Regional Project Coordinator for Asia.
The ACT project works nationally and globally to promote the adoption of Codex standards that will lead to better management of foodborne AMR according to the needs of the six participating countries (Bolivia, Cambodia, Colombia, Mongolia, Nepal and Pakistan). The experiences gained in the project countries will be shared to plan future programs in other countries and regions.
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Photo credit: © FAO/Aamir Qureshi