As part of the efforts to reduce indiscriminate use of antibiotics, the Federal Government has inaugurated a National Taskforce on Antimicrobial Stewardship to address it.
Speaking during the inauguration of the 13-member taskforce in Abuja on Tuesday, the Minister of State for Health, Dr Tunji Alausa, said Nigeria is ranked high in the number of deaths associated with AMR.
He said, “AMR is a silent but deadly threat that has taken root globally, and Nigeria is no exception. It is an issue that cuts across sectors, affecting not only human health but also animal health, agriculture, and the environment.
“The consequences are far-reaching, leading to increased mortality, prolonged illness, and a greater economic burden on families and the nation as a whole. It is no wonder that in 2022, the World Health Organisation declared AMR a global threat.
“Our country is ranked high in the number of deaths associated with AMR. In 2019. There were 64,500 deaths attributable to AMR and 263,400 deaths related to AMR, making AMR deaths in Nigeria higher than deaths from enteric infections, respiratory infections, tuberculosis, maternal and neonatal disorders, neglected tropical diseases, malaria, and cardiovascular diseases.
“Addressing the factors that promote AMR and those that worsen its impact can be challenging and requires both a multisectoral coordination and dedicated sector-specific approaches.”
Alausa said the absence of an antimicrobial stewardship programme to monitor the pattern of usage and antimicrobial sensitivity across the various regions of the country portends a great danger that can lead to significant resistance issues.
Peoplesmind
