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ABUJA, Nigeria (NAN) - Amid growing worries regarding antimicrobial resistance, health professionals, policymakers, and stakeholders convened in Abuja for a high-level workshop aimed at addressing the issue through a collaborative, multidisciplinary strategy.
The workshop, held on Thursday by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention in partnership with Jhpiego, underscored the pressing nature of AMR as a public health emergency.
Nigeria ranks 20th out of 204 countries in deaths related to AMR, with approximately 263,400 fatalities documented in 2019.
Despite this concerning statistic, a national survey indicated that 56.5 percent of Nigerians are aware of the term “antibiotic resistance.” However, only 8.3 percent possess a deep understanding of AMR, and 76.6 percent feel ineffective in fighting its spread, highlighting an urgent need for public education and stronger health initiatives.
Yemisi Ogundare, global health/programme lead at Jhpiego, emphasized the significance of a united approach to confronting AMR in the nation.
She pointed out that working together among stakeholders could lead to substantial solutions. Tochi Okwor, head of disease prevention and control at NCDC, acknowledged the complex nature of the crisis, stressing that AMR is not solely a medical concern but also a considerable challenge in data management, regulation, and economics.
Okwor highlighted the necessity for a coordinated response across various sectors to tackle these multifaceted issues and effectively address AMR. Participants at the workshop also advocated for enhanced surveillance and laboratory systems to monitor and manage AMR.
Gabriel Adakole, a public health expert, urged the federal government to invest in laboratory infrastructure and national surveillance systems, cautioning that inadequate monitoring could impede Nigeria’s capacity to identify and contain AMR outbreaks. He reiterated the importance of improving healthcare infrastructure, warning that AMR could jeopardize years of advancements in disease control and treatment if immediate action is not taken.
Louise Gough, chief operating officer at The Trinity Challenge, emphasized the significance of innovation in combating AMR. She encouraged Nigerian researchers and institutions to apply for the forthcoming Trinity Challenge, which will provide grant funding and access to international networks that support innovative health solutions.
