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By: Manoah Kikekon
Amid growing concerns over antimicrobial resistance (AMR), health experts, policymakers, and stakeholders convened in Abuja for a high-level workshop aimed at tackling the issue through a collaborative and multidisciplinary strategy.
The event, organized on Thursday by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) and Jhpiego, underscored the urgency of addressing AMR as a critical public health crisis.
Nigeria ranks 20th out of 204 countries in AMR-related deaths, with approximately 263,400 fatalities recorded in 2019. Despite this alarming statistic, a national survey revealed that while 56.5 per cent of Nigerians are familiar with the term “antibiotic resistance,” only 8.3 per cent have a strong understanding of AMR. Additionally, 76.6 per cent feel powerless to curb its spread, highlighting the urgent need for public education and stronger health interventions.
Yemisi Ogundare, Global Health/Programme Lead at Jhpiego, emphasized the importance of a unified approach to combat AMR. She stressed that collaboration among stakeholders is essential to drive impactful solutions and address the growing threat.
Tochi Okwor, Head of Disease Prevention and Control at NCDC, highlighted the multifaceted nature of the crisis. She noted that AMR is not just a medical issue but also a significant challenge in data management, regulation, and economics.
“AMR requires a coordinated response across sectors to address these diverse challenges effectively,” Ms. Okwor stated.
Experts at the workshop called for improved surveillance and laboratory systems to track and combat AMR. Gabriel Adakole, a public health expert, urged the federal government to invest in laboratory infrastructure and national surveillance systems.
He warned that weak monitoring mechanisms could hinder Nigeria’s ability to detect and contain AMR outbreaks. Adakole also emphasized the need for enhanced healthcare infrastructure, cautioning that without urgent action, AMR could undermine decades of progress in disease control and treatment.
Louise Gough, Chief Operating Officer at The Trinity Challenge, highlighted the role of innovation in combating AMR. She encouraged Nigerian researchers and institutions to apply for the upcoming Trinity Challenge, which offers grant funding and access to international networks supporting innovative health solutions.
(NAN)