SAPPHIRE: Tackling antibiotic resistance, from farm to fork
The fight against antibiotic resistance: A threat from farm to fork!
This collaboration, conducted through the ongoing SAPPHIRE project, aims to pave the way for clean food and improved public health.
Following the SAPPHIRE project's kick-off meeting in Hanoi in September 2024, February 2025 marked the initiation of meetings with potential partners to further develop project initiatives. Under the leadership of Associate Professor Justin Beardsley, teams met with expert collaborators from CDC Vinh Phuc, Thai Nguyen University of Agriculture and Forestry, Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy, and the Tien Giang Veterinary Department. These meetings focused on the critical task of identifying and tracking harmful and antibiotic-resistant bacteria and fungi, addressing the growing threat of antibiotic resistance across the entire food chain, "from farm to fork."
The SAPPHIRE project is a collaborative effort between the University of Sydney and leading government, public health, academic, and policy organizations throughout the Asia-Pacific region. It aims to enhance tuberculosis control, promote planetary health, improve chronic disease management, and combat antimicrobial resistance in Vietnam, Cambodia, Fiji, and Kiribati.
SAPPHIRE will support the expansion of evidence-based health interventions within both healthcare settings and communities. This program will solidify Australia's position as a reliable partner through robust institutional partnerships, in-country capacity development, and timely strategic guidance. Key partnership objectives include:
- Strengthening tuberculosis detection and prevention efforts.
- Addressing antimicrobial resistance in healthcare and agricultural contexts.
- Improving the management of chronic lung disease, including screening initiatives.
The insights gained from the SAPPHIRE project will inform policy development and implementation, ultimately contributing to significant improvements in health outcomes across the Asia-Pacific region.