Joint FAO/ICARS Workshop: Integrating gender and equity into AMR One Health solutions
The Joint FAO/ICARS Regional Workshop, “Leaving no one behind in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) research, policy and practice: integrating gender and equity in AMR One Health solutions” was held in Bangkok, Thailand, from the 20-23 October 2025. The event was jointly organised by FAO, under the FAO–WHO–WOAH Regional Tripartite AMR Project, as well as ICARS.
The first three days consisted of a workshop with more than 90 participants from 24 countries, including experts on AMR, gender and equity, One Health, and community-based management, both from the human and animal health sectors. On the last day, an ICARS side-day was held for ICARS project teams to exchange insights, reflect on progress, and strengthen connections across countries and disciplines. 
One project supported through ICARS and five projects supported through the International Development Research Centre (IDRC)-ICARS partnership attended the workshop and presented their work. These included three animal health projects (Malaysia, Thailand, and Zimbabwe), and three human health projects (Lao PDR, Ghana, and Pakistan). Participants exchanged practice-based insights on incorporating gender and equity throughout research and policies and strategies through a One Health lens.
Why Gender and Equity Matter in AMR research
AMR does not affect all people equally. Gender roles, social norms, and economic and cultural contexts shape how individuals and communities experience AMR risks and access solutions. Integrating gender and equity perspectives into AMR research and interventions helps ensure that One Health approaches are effective, inclusive, and sustainable.
Key Discussions and Activities
Over three days, participants examined how gender roles, social norms, and equity considerations influence AMR across sectors. Sessions combined expert panels, an ICARS parallel session, interactive “World Café” discussions, and country presentations from projects jointly supported by ICARS and IDRC. Participants explored how to integrate gender and equity into AMR research and national action plans, and strengthen links between research, policy, and practice.
The ICARS Day on the fourth day focused on peer learning, with group reflections on progress and learnings, and collaborative work on identifying shared indicators. 
Outcomes and Takeaways
The workshop strengthened participants’ understanding of how socio-cultural dimensions shape AMR and AMU, while reinforcing the importance of equity-oriented solutions.
ICARS teams identified opportunities to harmonize gender and equity indicators across projects, shared lessons on implementation challenges, and strengthened networks for future collaboration.
Insights from the event will guide ICARS’ continued support to country projects and partnerships. Building on this momentum, ICARS and the six country projects will further develop tools, indicators, and evidence to ensure that gender and equity remain central to their AMR research projects. 