Strengthening Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance in Colombia and Bolivia through FAO's ACT Project

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) ACT project, which supports the implementation of Codex Alimentarius texts on antimicrobial resistance, contributed to strengthening antimicrobial resistance surveillance in the food and agriculture sectors of Colombia and Bolivia. In 2025, laboratories from both countries participated in an international External Quality Assessment programme organized by Mexico's National Service for Agrifood Health, Safety and Quality (SENASICA). The assessment focused on antimicrobial susceptibility testing for foodborne and indicator bacteria through interlaboratory exercises designed to evaluate the consistency and accuracy of laboratory results. Colombia was represented by the National Laboratory for Livestock Inputs of the Colombian Agricultural Institute (ICA), while Bolivia participated through laboratories of the National Service for Agricultural Health and Food Safety (SENASAG). Activities included technical capacity building, training and improvements in laboratory quality management. The cooperation seeks to improve the reliability of antimicrobial resistance surveillance data and support evidence-based decision-making under a One Health approach. The activity was officially reported by Codex Alimentarius on March 23, 2026.