The Keep Antibiotics Working Coalition Publishes its New Equity Policy

FACT’s Safe and Healthy Food Program leads and coordinates the Keep Antibiotics Working coalition (KAW). Spanning the nation, our 17 KAW coalition member organizations partner to fight against the spread of antibiotic-resistant "superbugs" and ensure that the overuse of antibiotics on farms does not reverse the medical advances of the past century. 

We recently drafted and published an equity policy, which you can read below. This policy is a reflection of our priority as a coalition to preserve the effectiveness of antibiotics for those who need them most. Antibiotic resistance disproportionately impacts minority groups, food workers and those with chronic illness and disability. As we continue to advocate as a coalition for policies that mitigate the threat of antibiotic resistance, it is important to address disparities in the animal agriculture sector and promote equitable policies and practices. At FACT and within KAW we advocate for a more sustainable and humane farming system and work to give voices to those in our communities who are most impacted by the flawed system of industrial animal agriculture. 

Please read our equity policy below. 

Keep Antibiotics Working Equity Policy

The Keep Antibiotics Working coalition recognizes that racism, sexism, disability and other marginalization result in conditions that unfairly advantage some and disadvantage others throughout society. This leads to poorer health outcomes including increased death in impacted communities. As a coalition, we strive to adopt practices and promote policies that reduce these inequities. We are committed to advocating for policies that protect all communities, particularly those most affected by the health and environmental impacts of antibiotic overuse.

Equity in Advocacy

Our advocacy efforts prioritize the needs and voices of marginalized groups, food system workers, and their communities, who are often disproportionately affected by antibiotic resistance and zoonotic disease [1] threats. People living or working on industrial animal-raising operations along with slaughter and meat processing workers are much more likely to acquire antibiotic-resistant infections. They also have more limited access to healthcare. We understand that these populations face unique challenges and are committed to understanding their specific circumstances to inform our policy efforts.

We strive to:

• Identify and analyze the disparate impacts of antibiotic resistance on marginalized communities.

• Actively reach out to groups and communities most affected by antibiotic resistance and ensure our advocacy efforts uplift and amplify their voices.

• Collaborate with community organizations to advocate for equitable policies and practices.

• Promote a sustainable agricultural landscape that is accessible to all.

• Preserve our antibiotics for those who need them most.

Policy Objectives

We aim to address disparities in the animal agriculture sector through advocacy, education, and collaboration. The following are policies and commitments that the coalition is advocating for at a local and national level.

Advocacy for Marginalized Workers

Support policies that elevate the rights and protections of marginalized farm and food workers, ensuring they have a voice in decision-making processes that impact their health and livelihoods.

Monitoring Pathogens in Livestock Operations

Advocate for comprehensive monitoring programs to identify and mitigate dangerous pathogens in livestock operations, ensuring that worker health and safety is prioritized.

Health and Safety Training

Push for policies that provide workers with vaccination, training, sanitation facilities, and protective clothing to limit exposure to pathogens.

Responsible Antibiotic Use

Support restrictions on the use of antibiotics in animal agriculture, allowing them only for the treatment of sick or injured animals to mitigate the risks of antibiotic resistance.

Improved Hygiene Practices

Encourage the adoption of improved hygiene practices and animal welfare in livestock facilities to reduce disease transmission and the reliance on antibiotics.

Research on Worker Health Impacts

Advocate for an increase in research that explores the impacts of zoonotic diseases on workers, contributing to a better understanding of health risks and necessary interventions.

[1] A zoonotic disease is an illness that can spread between animals and humans.