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Published on October 15, 2026

A new publication has released, authored by team members and collaborators of the Global Food & Health Systems Research team.

The paper examines antimicrobial resistance (AMR) as a complex and interconnected food-system problem rather than simply a consequence of inappropriate antimicrobial use. Using a One Health perspective, the authors recognize that human, animal and environmental health are closely connected and that antimicrobial use across livestock production, aquaculture, agriculture and healthcare can contribute to the emergence and spread of resistant organisms. The study focuses on understanding the broader social, economic, regulatory and behavioural factors that sustain antimicrobial use and resistance within food systems in Canada, Senegal, and the Netherlands, using participatory approaches and complex systems modelling methods. 

The comparison of Canada, Senegal and the Netherlands demonstrates that AMR is a global problem with different local drivers that require context-appropriate solutions. The study also reinforces the importance of the One Health approach. AMR genes can move between people, animals, food and the environment. Addressing AMR therefore requires systems-informed collaborations across human health, veterinary medicine, agriculture, environmental health and public policy rather than interventions within the healthcare sector alone.

Find the full publication here:

Clifford Astbury, Chloe, Hu, Catherine, Sow, M. M., Ciss, M., Dückers, M., Schneeberger, C., Van Heuvel, L., Aenishaenslin, C., Benko, R., Bordier, M., De Leon, Valentina, Kavulikirwa, O. K., Loboda, É., Rajan, Arabi, Ruckert, A., Villanueva, S., Wiktorowicz, Mary, & Penney, Tarra L. (2026). Disrupting antimicrobial resistance in food systems from a One Health perspective: a complex systems analysis in Canada, Senegal and the Netherlands. BMC Global and Public Health, 4(1).

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