Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant threat to public health in Nigeria, with alarming rates of drug-resistant infections. Inadequate healthcare, over-the-counter antibiotic sales, and substandard drugs fuel the crisis. Initiatives like The Fleming Fund aim to improve AMR data and antibiotic stewardship, but stronger regulations and grassroots efforts are necessary to combat the growing challenge effectively.
Nigeria is facing a severe public health crisis due to antimicrobial resistance (AMR), as highlighted by Dr. Matthew Chibuzor, who is examining drug-resistant pathogens at a slaughterhouse in the Federal Capital Territory. The presence of multidrug-resistant Salmonella and E. coli in both meat and farmworkers emphasizes the urgent need for intervention, as these bacteria can spread from animals to humans and compromise medical treatments.
The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies AMR as a significant global health threat, leading to an estimated 1.27 million deaths worldwide in 2019. Projections indicate that this number could surge to 10 million annually by 2050 if preventive measures are not implemented. Countries like Nigeria, with limited healthcare facilities and high disease burdens, are particularly vulnerable to the rising incidence of AMR.
Personal tragedies, such as that of Mrs. Mary Goma, underscore the urgent need for attention as her son suffered from an antibiotic-resistant typhoid infection, a situation that reflects the struggles many face in Nigeria. Goma’s experience highlights the widespread issues of accessing effective medical care due to the emergence of resistant infections, adding to the public health catastrophe in the region.
Research indicates that over-the-counter sales of antibiotics and premature discontinuation of treatment contribute significantly to resistance development among pathogens in Nigeria. A 2022 study found that approximately 17 percent of antibiotics in Nigeria are falsified or substandard. Moreover, the administration of antibiotics in livestock farming exacerbates human exposure to resistant bacteria through meat consumption.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) estimates that AMR accounts for over 20,000 deaths annually in Nigeria and could lead to substantial economic losses if unaddressed. Health professionals like Dr. Samuel Olutuche illustrate the dire financial implications of AMR when patients require expensive last-resort antibiotics, which many families cannot afford.
In response, organizations like the Management Sciences for Health (MSH) are taking proactive measures to combat AMR, supported by The Fleming Fund. This initiative aims to enhance laboratory systems and data management across health sectors using a ‘One Health’ approach. The project seeks to improve antibiotic stewardship and strengthen local institutions to effectively tackle AMR-related challenges.
Despite the support from international organizations, Nigeria continues to grapple with significant barriers such as weak regulatory frameworks and rampant counterfeit drugs. Dr. Jide Idris from the NCDC calls for stricter regulations, enhanced public awareness, and improved surveillance to mitigate AMR’s impact on public health.
Grassroots initiatives are also making positive strides in educating communities on responsible antibiotic use and improving livestock farming practices. Programs in Kaduna, Ogun, and Lagos demonstrate collaborative efforts aimed at reducing resistance through education and alternative solutions.
Experts emphasize the critical need for collaboration among government bodies, health professionals, and the private sector to establish stringent policies against antibiotic misuse. Continuous research, improved diagnostics, and heightened public awareness campaigns model an effective approach to address AMR comprehensively across Nigeria.
As Dr. Chibuzor asserts, the consequences of antimicrobial resistance extend beyond animal health, impacting the entire population’s well-being. The prevailing situation necessitates immediate action to prevent the emergence of untreatable infections from the sources prevalent in agriculture, healthcare, and pharmaceuticals.
The article highlights the urgent and growing threat of antimicrobial resistance in Nigeria, exacerbated by improper antibiotic use, poor healthcare infrastructure, and escalating economic costs. Proactive measures, including international support, strengthened regulations, and grassroots initiatives, are crucial to combat AMR effectively. Raising public awareness and improving health sector collaboration will be vital in reversing the trend and protecting public health in the country.
Original Source: nannews.ng
