Strengthening Nigeria’s Efforts Against Antimicrobial Resistance

Nigeria faces a severe Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) crisis, with alarming levels of drug-resistant bacteria found in slaughterhouses threatening public health. The World Health Organisation warns that AMR could account for millions of deaths annually by 2050, particularly in low-income countries like Nigeria. Personal narratives highlight the devastating human impact of AMR, as families struggle to access effective healthcare amid rising treatment costs. Collaborative initiatives aimed at policy reform and public education are essential to combat AMR and improve health outcomes.

In Nigeria, the urgent need to strengthen responses to Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is underscored by the alarming findings of researchers like Dr. Matthew Chibuzor, who tracks drug-resistant bacteria in slaughterhouses. His work reveals the presence of multidrug-resistant Salmonella and E. coli in meat and among workers, indicating a direct threat to public health as these bacteria spread into communities and clinical settings, complicating treatment options for patients.

The World Health Organisation has warned of AMR as a significant global health concern, linking it to 1.27 million deaths in 2019 alone. Projections estimate that this number could rise to 10 million deaths per year by 2050 if immediate action is not taken, particularly affecting low to middle-income countries such as Nigeria, which struggles with inadequate healthcare systems and high disease burdens.

Personal accounts of families impacted by AMR highlight the urgency of the situation. Mrs. Mary Goma’s six-year-old son was severely affected by antibiotic-resistant Salmonella, demonstrating the broader implications of AMR on individuals and families in Nigeria, where access to effective treatments is limited and continues to decline.

The alarming statistics indicate that over 20,000 deaths in Nigeria annually are linked to AMR-related infections, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). The associated healthcare expenses and losses in productivity could incur billions in economic cost if AMR remains unaddressed.

Healthcare professionals are sounding the alarm regarding AMR as both a medical and economic crisis. Dr. Samuel Olutuche recounts a case of a newborn baby with sepsis who could only be treated with an overly expensive last-resort drug due to resistance to first-line antibiotics. Many Nigerian families cannot afford such treatments, leading to unnecessary patient deaths.

Efforts to combat AMR include initiatives by Management Sciences for Health (MSH), awarded Phase 2 of The Fleming Fund’s Country Grant aimed at improving data quality and policy related to AMR. This project applies a ‘One Health’ approach, promoting collaboration among human, animal, and environmental health sectors to address the AMR crisis effectively.

Despite international support, Nigeria faces ongoing challenges including weak regulation, the prevalence of counterfeit antibiotics in the market, and limited public awareness of the dangers posed by antibiotic misuse. The need for improved surveillance, diagnostic capacity, and educational outreach is crucial to combat these challenges.

Healthcare leaders like Dr. Jide Idris, Director-General of NCDC, advocate for stricter policies regarding antibiotic sales, enhanced surveillance efforts, and public awareness campaigns to address AMR issues comprehensively. Grassroots initiatives are emerging that educate communities and promote alternatives to antibiotic use in agriculture.

Key stakeholders, including Dr. Mary Alex-Wele, emphasize the importance of responsible antibiotic prescribing and continuous education to mitigate misuse. They call for increased investments in new antimicrobials and alternative therapies, underscoring the significance of cross-sector collaboration to combat AMR effectively.

Acknowledging the complexity of AMR requires coordinated efforts amongst governments, researchers, and the private sector to create stringent policies and improve hospital infection control. Public education campaigns are essential to raise awareness about the responsible use of antibiotics and overall hygiene practices across communities.

As Dr. Chibuzor reflects on his work, he asserts, “What happens here affects the entire country. If we do not stop resistance at its source, whether in animals, hospitals, or pharmacies, we are setting ourselves up for a future where even minor infections become deadly.”

The growing threat of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in Nigeria necessitates immediate and coordinated responses from various health sectors. Without urgent action, AMR could lead to significant public health crises, economic burdens, and increased mortality rates. Education, regulation, and better surveillance practices are critical to addressing this emerging challenge and safeguarding healthcare outcomes for vulnerable populations.

Original Source: nannews.ng