The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has expressed deep concern over the burgeoning problem of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This emerging threat poses significant risks not only to human health but extends its potential damages to animals, agriculture, and our environment. The director-general of the NCDC, Dr. Jide Idris, notably underscored the severity of this problem during a media briefing held in Abuja. One of the central challenges fueling this predicament is the pervasive misuse and overconsumption of antibiotics across various sectors, which contributes to the proliferating spread of resistant infections that imperil life, livelihood, and ecosystems. AMR represents a planetary crisis that calls for our collective response, especially in the discipline of proper and responsible use of antimicrobials.
AMR manifests when microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites evolve to become resistant to drugs previously effective at eliminating them. Such resistance complicates treatment measures, prolongs illnesses, escalates healthcare expenditure, and augments the likelihood of mortality. Dr. Idris elucidated that within the Nigerian context, a key propellant of AMR is flagrant access to antibiotics usage without any required prescription. Other contributing factors include inadequate infection prevention measures, poor control practices, and the irresponsible usage of antimicrobials in livestock and poultry farming without professional veterinary oversight.
The urgency of addressing this issue is highlighted by a grim prognosis: if our current trajectories persist, a plethora of common infections risk transforming into untreatable diseases thereby eroding decades of hard-earned medical advancements. To combat this impending dilemma, Nigeria’s Federal Government is acting concertedly with the NCDC and other partners to bolster surveillance, heighten public awareness, and embrace a One Health strategy. This approach appreciates the intricate interfacing between human, animal, and environmental health. Consequently, there is a movement to revise Nigeria’s National Action Plan on AMR with the aim to scaffold a coordinated response that is anchored in empirical evidence, multi-stakeholder engagement, and global norms of best practices.
Furthering this intervention, Dr. Idris highlighted the pivotal roles of public education, a bolstered laboratory capacity, responsible waste management, and committed stewardship over antimicrobials. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has also sounded the alarm, warning that without expeditious, strategic action, AMR harbors the potential to annually inflict 10 million fatalities worldwide by 2050. In light of this looming catastrophe, pertinent stakeholders and experts in Nigeria are advocating for the prohibition of over-the-counter antibiotics sales and are counseling citizens to abstain from self-medication practices. Dr. Idris concluded his urgent appeal by emphasizing society’s shared responsibility in mitigating AMR risks. This includes ensuring antibiotics usage solely when duly prescribed and adhering strictly to provided medical advice.
Source: https://sciencenigeria.com/ncdc-warns-of-amr-threat-to-health-environment/