Understanding Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR):
AMR occurs when bacteria, viruses, and some parasites become resistant to treatments such as antibiotics, antivirals, and antimalarials.
This resistance makes standard treatments ineffective, leading to persistent infections, increased mortality, and easier spread of diseases.
FAIRR Initiative:
The Farm Animal Investment Risk and Return (FAIRR) initiative focuses on the risks and opportunities related to intensive livestock production.
FAIRR particularly addresses the increased prevalence of antimicrobial resistance due to poor antibiotic stewardship in intensive farming practices.
Role of FAIRR:
FAIRR engages with companies to improve their antibiotic usage practices, aiming to reduce the spread of AMR.
This initiative emphasizes the ethical implications of animal welfare and the significant health risks posed to humans by AMR.
Comparison with Other Initiatives:
The Bangladesh Accord focuses on improving safety standards in the Bangladeshi garment industry.
The Access to Medicine Index assesses how pharmaceutical companies are making medicine more accessible in low- and middle-income countries.
Only FAIRR is directly associated with addressing antimicrobial resistance through better management of antibiotic use in farming.
References:
FAIRR’s focus on AMR is detailed in the 2021 final book on ESG and sustainable investing.
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