Nigeria’s Efforts to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance: A Growing Public Health Crisis
Nigeria faces a severe challenge from antimicrobial resistance (AMR), with alarming findings revealing high levels of drug-resistant bacteria in meat and food processing. This situation threatens public health, as infections become increasingly difficult to treat. Key factors contributing to AMR include the improper sales and use of antibiotics, compounded by ineffective healthcare infrastructure. Efforts to tackle this issue include international support and grassroots initiatives aimed at promoting responsible antibiotic use and improving community health practices.
In Nigeria, the urgent challenge of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is highlighted by Dr. Matthew Chibuzor, a veterinarian collecting samples at the Karu abattoir. His findings reveal alarming levels of multidrug-resistant bacteria, such as Salmonella and E. coli, in meat and among meat workers, posing severe risks to public health as these pathogens enter kitchens and hospitals.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has categorized AMR as a critical global threat, undermining treatment of infectious diseases. In 2019, AMR was responsible for 1.27 million deaths globally. Projections forecast that by 2050, these numbers could escalate to 10 million annually if proactive measures are not taken.
Countries like Nigeria, facing inadequate healthcare and increased disease burden, are particularly vulnerable to the effects of AMR. Mrs. Mary Goma’s personal story underscores this issue, as her son’s typhoid fever was resistant to common antibiotics, leading to a dire and challenging medical journey.
The rising problem of AMR in Nigeria is attributed to the over-the-counter sale of antibiotics without prescriptions, improper usage by patients, and rampant falsification of medications. A study indicated that 17% of antibiotics in Nigeria are substandard or fake, while poor hygiene in healthcare facilities contributes to the spread of resistant bacteria.
In Nigeria, over 20,000 deaths each year are linked to infections caused by AMR. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) warns that failing to address AMR could result in billions of dollars in lost productivity and healthcare costs, frustrating families already burdened with high medication expenses.
Dr. Samuel Olutuche reported a troubling case where a newborn with sepsis did not respond to standard treatments, necessitating significantly more expensive last-resort drugs. He emphasized that the economic implications of AMR extend beyond healthcare, as it threatens the financial stability of families facing unaffordable medical costs.
The Management Sciences for Health (MSH) is spearheading efforts to combat AMR in Nigeria through the Fleming Fund’s Country Grant. This initiative emphasizes a ‘One Health’ approach to bolster laboratory systems and data management across sectors, crucial for policy formulation and AMR control.
Although Nigeria receives international assistance, challenges persist, including inadequate regulations on antibiotic sales and public unawareness of AMR dangers. Dr. Jide Idris from NCDC highlighted the need for stricter policies, enhanced surveillance, and public education to effectively battle this pressing crisis.
Grassroots initiatives are emerging, focusing on educating communities about responsible medication practices and promoting alternatives to antibiotics in livestock. Local projects in Kaduna, Ogun, and Lagos are fostering behavioral changes aimed at reducing resistance rates and enhancing community health.
Experts like Dr. Mary Alex-Wele advocate for improved AMR monitoring and evidence-sharing practices, urging increased investment in new therapeutics. Collaborative efforts among governments, researchers, and the private sector are deemed essential for addressing AMR, emphasizing the necessity of comprehensive strategies and public education campaigns to improve antibiotic stewardship and hygiene.
Dr. Chibuzor highlights the reflection from his work: the implications of AMR extend beyond individual health, necessitating a holistic approach to halt resistance at its roots. Failure to act decisively will render even minor infections highly dangerous, threatening public health nationwide.
The fight against antimicrobial resistance in Nigeria is urgent and multi-faceted, necessitating immediate attention from healthcare providers, policymakers, and the community. Evidence of rising drug-resistant bacteria presents a serious threat to public health, amplifying the need for stricter regulations on antibiotic sales and better surveillance systems. By engaging in collective actions, enhancing educational initiatives, and aligning strategies across sectors, Nigeria can strengthen its response to this looming public health crisis and safeguard the health of its population.
Original Source: nannews.ng
