Bangladesh’s Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter announced that a nationwide awareness campaign will begin in January to reduce unnecessary antibiotic use and promote public understanding of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Speaking at the opening of the Veterinary Vaccine Conference 2025 at the Livestock Research Institute in Dhaka, she emphasized that the initiative aims to protect public health by encouraging responsible antibiotic practices.

Akhter highlighted that misuse of antibiotics in animals increases AMR risks for both humans and livestock. She urged stronger vaccination programs to reduce disease incidence and antibiotic dependency. The adviser also stressed the need for domestic vaccine production capacity to ensure sustainable disease control and food safety. Experts, including Professor Dr. Robyn Alders from the Australian National University, presented research on sustainable vaccine-based disease prevention.

Officials and researchers attending the conference welcomed the government’s plan, noting that awareness and vaccination are key to safeguarding animal health, food security, and economic stability. Implementation details of the January campaign are expected to be finalized in the coming weeks.