MSD Animal Health has teamed up with the AAVMC on an international grant program designed to help mitigate the global public health problem of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Administered through the AAVMC’s Council on International Veterinary Medical Education (CIVME), the MSD Animal Health CIVME Antimicrobial Stewardship Grant program (ASGP) seeks to improve instructional programs related to AMR in educational institutions around the world. The grant is currently in its second year with increased support from MSD Animal Health following a successful launch of the program in 2019.
“Successfully mitigating the antimicrobial resistance problem is going to require the coordinated efforts of many institutions in both the public and private sectors working together at the global level,” said AAVMC CEO Dr. Andrew T. Maccabe. “Training students and professionals about responsible therapeutic practices is an important strategy for success, and we’re pleased to have this opportunity to continue our collaboration with Merck Animal Health on a promising initiative. The grant program goal is focused on building networks and using communication technology to increase awareness, share ideas, and support innovative approaches to improving veterinary medical education at universities around the world.
“Our company recognizes the critical importance of sound antibiotic stewardship and supports the responsible use of antibiotics to improve and maintain the health of animals,” said Elzo M. Kannekens, DVM, Director of Global Public Policy and Multilateral Affairs, MSD Animal Health. “Antibiotics are life-saving veterinary products that treat bacterial infections in both companion and food-producing animals. Their use in veterinary medicine also benefits humans by reducing the spread of disease between animals and humans and by helping facilitate a safe, efficient and sustainable food supply. We believe in taking a ‘one health’ holistic approach to the well-being of humans and animals, which includes using vaccines for the prevention of diseases. We are proud to partner with CIVME to bring forward this international grant program focused on mitigating the global public health problem of antimicrobial resistance.”
The grant program focuses on antibiotic stewardship and emphasize disease prevention through improved vaccination protocols. Keeping more animals free from infectious disease through immunizations will reduce the amount of antimicrobial agents required to treat sick animals.
The grant program encourages multi-university collaborations on a global scale. Total project budgets should not exceed $10,000 and will be awarded for a maximum period of 24 months. Projects are expected to align with one or more criteria that advance CIVME’s mission and convincingly promote international collaboration in veterinary medical education. Indirect costs are not considered.
2019 Grant Recipient:
Antimicrobial Stewardship Cooperative, Dr. Laura Hardefeldt, University of Melbourne
2020 Grant Recipients:
Promoting Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs in Global Veterinary Medical Academic Settings Through the Understanding of Attitudes and Perceived Barriers to Implementation, Dr. Emily Feyes, Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine
Seminar on the Prudent Use of Antibiotics in Aquaculture, Dr. Sophie St-Hilaire, City University of Hong Kong
The 2020 grant cycle has closed. The grant cycle will reopen in the fall of 2021. For more information about the program, please email civme-grant@aavmc.org.
SHARE