AMR poses a critical threat to public health in Nigeria, with significant human and economic consequences. Research highlights the alarming prevalence of antibiotic-resistant infections, particularly in meat and healthcare settings. Personal stories from affected families illustrate the urgency of addressing the crisis, while experts call for stricter regulations and heightened public awareness. Collaborative initiatives are crucial to combat AMR, safeguard public health, and ensure effective treatment options remain available.
In the bustling Karu abattoir of Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory, veterinarian Dr. Matthew Chibuzor is conducting urgent research on the alarming spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in meat. He highlights the presence of multidrug-resistant strains of Salmonella and E. coli that not only affect meat but also pose a health risk to humans, as they can lead to untreatable infections in patients.
According to the World Health Organization, AMR poses significant threats to global health, causing over 1.27 million deaths directly in 2019. Without intervention, projections estimate AMR could result in as many as 10 million deaths each year by 2050, disproportionately impacting low- and middle-income countries like Nigeria which already face healthcare challenges.
Mrs. Mary Goma’s personal experience illustrates the crisis; her son suffered from antibiotic-resistant typhoid fever, leading to weeks of ineffective treatment. Goma’s story reflects a widespread issue in Nigeria, where the effectiveness of antibiotics diminishes as resistance grows, leading to public health emergencies amidst the high burden of infectious diseases.
Health experts cite multiple factors for the rise of AMR, primarily the over-the-counter sale of antibiotics without prescriptions. Misuse and premature cessation of treatment from patients further aggravate the situation, with a concerning report indicating that nearly 17% of antibiotics in Nigeria are of poor quality or falsified, rendering them useless in treating infections.
Moreover, inadequate hygiene practices in healthcare settings and the routine use of antibiotics in livestock farming contribute significantly to resistance, affecting human health through contaminated food. A study from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) estimates that AMR-related infections cause over 20,000 deaths annually in Nigeria, resulting in significant economic losses from healthcare costs and productivity declines.
Dr. Samuel Olutuche, an infectious disease specialist, recounts cases of patients who cannot afford necessary last-resort treatments due to AMR. The World Bank warns that if not addressed, AMR could lead to a 3.8% decline in Nigeria’s GDP, pushing families into poverty.
In response, the Management Sciences for Health (MSH) has received funding from The Fleming Fund to enhance AMR surveillance and policy implementation in Nigeria. The initiative employs a ‘One Health’ framework to promote collaboration among health sectors, emphasizing the importance of generating reliable AMR data and strengthening institutional capacities.
Despite global support, Nigeria faces ongoing challenges with counterfeit drugs and a lack of public awareness regarding antibiotic misuse. Continuous advocacy is critical to enforce regulations and educate citizens about responsible antibiotic use to mitigate the spread of resistance.
Dr. Jide Idris from NCDC underscores the need for stricter policy enforcement and improved public health initiatives to combat the AMR crisis. Community-level programs in various Nigerian states also work to change behaviors by educating families about proper medication practices and exploring alternatives to antibiotics in agriculture.
As shared by Dr. Mary Alex-Wele, there is an urgent need for improved laboratory capacities for AMR surveillance and enhanced data sharing. Investment in new treatments and diagnostics, alongside stricter regulations, will be vital in addressing the AMR issue effectively.
Collaboration among governments, healthcare providers, and researchers is essential to combat AMR. Strengthened infection controls in hospitals, ongoing research, and public education campaigns will also be necessary to ensure responsible antibiotic use and preserve their effectiveness for future generations. Dr. Chibuzor’s warning underscores the urgency: “What happens here affects the entire country. If we do not stop resistance at its source, we are setting ourselves up for a future where even minor infections become deadly.”
The rise of antimicrobial resistance in Nigeria represents a dire public health challenge with far-reaching implications. The experiences shared in this report highlight the profound human and economic costs of AMR, necessitating urgent action. By addressing the key factors contributing to resistance through collaborative efforts and strengthened policies, Nigeria can work towards reversing the trend and safeguarding its healthcare future.
Original Source: nannews.ng
