The article outlines the growing threat of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in Nigeria, highlighting alarming statistics and personal stories from affected families. Various factors, including over-the-counter antibiotic sales and inadequate healthcare practices, exacerbate the issue. International initiatives are underway to strengthen responses to AMR, but significant challenges remain in public awareness, regulatory enforcement, and healthcare infrastructure. Collaboration among stakeholders is critical to combat AMR effectively.
In the bustling Karu abattoir located in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory, Dr. Matthew Chibuzor, a veterinarian and researcher, diligently gathers samples from recently slaughtered cattle. His urgent objective is to monitor the covert transmission of drug-resistant bacteria from animals to humans. Alarmingly, he has discovered multidrug-resistant strains of Salmonella and E. coli, which can lead to ineffective treatments for bacterial infections. Chibuzor states, “These bacteria don’t just stay here; they make their way into kitchens, hospitals, and ultimately, the bloodstream of patients who can no longer be treated with standard antibiotics.”
The World Health Organisation (WHO) identifies Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) as a significant global threat, diminishing the efficacy of treatments against infections. In 2019, AMR accounted for 1.27 million deaths worldwide, with estimates projecting this number could escalate to 10 million annually by 2050 if not addressed. Low- and middle-income nations like Nigeria, plagued by underdeveloped healthcare systems, are particularly vulnerable.
Mrs. Mary Goma, a 29-year-old mother, shares a personal account of her child’s battle with drug-resistant typhoid fever. Despite several attempts to find effective treatment, her six-year-old son’s condition deteriorated due to Salmonella typhi’s resistance to antibiotics. “My son was lucky to survive,” Goma expressed, highlighting the dire implications for others lacking access to medical care.
Nigeria remains burdened with numerous infectious diseases, and the medications intended to combat them are increasingly ineffective. Experts attribute this crisis to various factors, such as the unregulated sale of antibiotics without prescriptions and improper dosage practices, leading to bacterial resistance. A 2022 study revealed that approximately 17 percent of antibiotics in Nigeria are either falsified or substandard, exacerbating the situation.
Approximately 20,000 deaths in Nigeria annually are correlated with AMR-related infections, according to a study by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). The economic ramifications could also be severe; it could potentially cost the nation billions due to elevated healthcare expenses and decreased productivity. Dr. Samuel Olutuche, an infectious disease specialist, recounted harrowing cases reflecting these realities, noting newly emerged resistant infections require prohibitively expensive treatments.
In response to the escalating AMR threat, Management Sciences for Health (MSH) has received Phase 2 funding from The Fleming Fund. This initiative aims to enhance laboratory systems and data management in health sectors by adopting a “One Health” approach, which integrates human, animal, and environmental health. Chibuzor emphasized the necessity of surveillance, stating, “The ability to track resistance patterns is crucial.”
Despite international assistance, Nigeria struggles with insufficient regulations concerning antibiotics, as substandard medications still infiltrate the market. Efforts to promote public awareness about the risks associated with antibiotic misuse remain limited, exacerbating the problem. Furthermore, inadequate hospital diagnostics hinder timely detection of resistant infections, leading to delays in essential treatment.
Dr. Jide Idris, Director-General of NCDC, emphasized the importance of regulatory reforms, calling for stronger policies and public awareness initiatives to tackle the AMR crisis effectively. Grassroots initiatives are gaining traction, such as community health programs in Kaduna that inform families about the hazards of self-medicating children. In Ogun, farmers are exploring probiotics and herbal alternatives for livestock, and pharmacists in Lagos are advocating for responsible antibiotic usage.
Dr. Mary Alex-Wele, a Consultant Clinical Microbiologist, called for enhanced AMR surveillance and collaboration across sectors. She stressed the urgency of public education campaigns and investments in antibiotic alternatives to combat AMR. Global health advocates underscore the necessity of partnerships among governments, researchers, and private entities to address AMR effectively, advocating for better hospital hygiene and stricter regulations on antibiotic sales.
As Dr. Chibuzor concludes his work at the Karu abattoir, he reflects on the broader implications of AMR across Nigeria, warning that ”What happens here affects the entire country. If we don’t stop resistance at its source, we are setting ourselves up for a future where even minor infections become deadly.”
Nigeria faces a severe threat from Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), as evident through both personal accounts and alarming statistics. The lack of regulation, improper antibiotic use, and insufficient public awareness contribute significantly to AMR’s spreading crisis. While initiatives are emerging to combat the issue, a comprehensive strategy involving stronger policies, public education, and effective surveillance is critical. It is imperative that stakeholders, including government, healthcare providers, and the public, collaborate to mitigate AMR’s impact and protect public health.
Original Source: nannews.ng
