Lagos: The Nigeria Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) has announced that over 4 million children have benefited from its ongoing Safety and Antimicrobial Resistance Mass Administration of Azithromycin (SARMAAN) project. This initiative is aimed at reducing infant mortality across the country.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Prof. Oliver Ezechi, a Director of Research at the Clinical Sciences Department of NIMR, highlighted this achievement during the institute’s Monthly Media Chat. The event serves to inform the public about ongoing research efforts. Ezechi, who leads the research team, mentioned that the first phase of the SARMAAN project was launched in 2022 following a recommendation from the World Health Organisation (WHO) for mass administration of Azithromycin in countries with high infant mortality rates.
The project, funded by the Gates Foundation and supported by various MDAs and international partners, initially piloted in six states: Kano, Jigawa, Kebbi, Sokoto, Abia, and Akwa Ibom. The success of the first phase has led to the expansion of SARMAAN II, targeting 11 states with high infant mortality rates. These include Gombe, Bauchi, Kano, Sokoto, Jigawa, Zamfara, Katsina, Kebbi, Kaduna, and Borno. The age range for the project has been extended from 1 to 59 months, compared to the initial focus on children aged 1 to 11 months.
Prof. Ezechi identified upper and lower respiratory infections, diarrhea, and other conditions as leading causes of infant deaths. He reported that SARMAAN I demonstrated the safety of Azithromycin, with less than two percent of children experiencing side effects. The study initially measured antimicrobial resistance at 4.1 percent before drug administration to avoid creating new problems while solving existing ones.
Dr. Abideen Salako, a Consultant Paediatrician and Study Coordinator, noted that SARMAAN I findings confirmed the safety and cost-effectiveness of Azithromycin mass administration when integrated into existing child health programs. The study also showed that antimicrobial resistance did not increase in the six pilot states, with doses administered at six-month intervals. The project fostered effective collaborations and created employment opportunities.
Despite these successes, Dr. Folahanmi Akinsolu, the Assistant Study Coordinator, highlighted challenges such as the poor recognition of research’s critical role, a weak health system, and a shortage of skilled personnel. Akinsolu, a Public Health Physician, emphasized the need to integrate research findings into policy to enhance the impact of research on health outcomes.