Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) presents a critical issue in Nigeria, where improper antibiotic use and weaker healthcare systems exacerbate its spread. Personal accounts demonstrate its severe impacts on health outcomes. Recent studies highlight the alarming rates of ineffective antibiotics in circulation. Initiatives from organizations like Management Sciences for Health aim to bolster data collection and regulation, yet local education and stricter enforcement of policies remain crucial to combatting AMR effectively.
In the Federal Capital Territory’s Karu abattoir, veterinarian Dr. Matthew Chibuzor conducts vital research on the transmission of drug-resistant bacteria from animals to humans, revealing the presence of multidrug-resistant strains of Salmonella and E. coli. These pathogens migrate into kitchens and hospitals, leading to severe treatment complications for patients. According to the World Health Organization, Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) poses a significant global challenge, directly resulting in 1.27 million deaths in 2019, with projections suggesting a rise to 10 million annually by 2050 if left unchecked.
Low and middle-income nations like Nigeria, grappling with deficient healthcare support, suffer the most from AMR. Mrs. Mary Goma illustrates the personal impact when her son developed a resistant form of typhoid fever, requiring costly and effective drugs unavailable at clinics. This alarming situation, as seen in Nigeria, is exacerbated by improper antibiotic usage and self-medication, contributing to the spread of resistance.
A 2022 study indicated that 17% of antibiotics in Nigeria are either falsified or substandard. Concerningly, farmers frequently administer antibiotics to livestock, escalating the resistance issue. A report by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) estimates over 20,000 annual deaths in the country linked to AMR infections, demonstrating its public health threat and economic implications. Dr. Samuel Olutuche recounted cases where standard treatments for newborns failed, necessitating exceedingly expensive alternatives.
Hilighting the urgency, Management Sciences for Health (MSH) has received a Phase 2 grant from The Fleming Fund’s initiative aimed at improving AMR data and policies in Nigeria. The program prioritizes building laboratory systems, management data, and the capacity of the workforce across health sectors using a ‘One Health’ approach. Despite international support, Nigeria still faces issues with weak regulations, allowing the continued existence of counterfeit antibiotics.
Dr. Jide Idris of the NCDC emphasized the necessity for stricter regulation and heightened public awareness initiatives. Meanwhile, local community programs across Nigeria are combating AMR by educating families about responsible antibiotic use. This culminates in efforts by pharmacists to promote completion of antibiotic prescriptions and research-driven recommendations from health professionals advocating for enhanced surveillance and urgent funding in new treatment avenues.
International cooperation is crucial in effectively battling AMR, uniting governments, researchers, and private sectors to enforce stronger policies against antibiotic misuse. Furthermore, rigorous monitoring of infection patterns and ongoing public education play significant roles in promoting responsible antibiotic consumption. Dr. Chibuzor stressed that tackling resistance in hospitals, pharmacies, and farms is imperative to preventing an epidemic where treatable infections could become deadly.
The growing threat of Antimicrobial Resistance in Nigeria is a public health crisis exacerbated by factors such as self-medication, counterfeit antibiotics, and inadequate healthcare infrastructure. Personal stories highlight the urgent need for regulatory reforms and education regarding responsible antibiotic use. Although international assistance and community initiatives exhibit promise, continued efforts to enhance surveillance, policy, and public awareness are crucial to curbing this rising threat to public health.
Original Source: nannews.ng
