Abuja: Key stakeholders tackling Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in Nigeria have underscored the need for a two-pronged approach. They advocated addressing informal drug dispensing in communities and empowering young people through structured, multi-sectoral education to curb the growing AMR threat.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the stakeholders spoke in Abuja at the Africa CDC Western Africa Regional Coordinating Centre's Regional Review Meeting on Antimicrobial Stewardship and AMR Surveillance Systems. The meeting brought together experts, technical partners, and country representatives to assess progress made in tackling AMR and promote regional collaboration.
Mrs. Estelle Mbadiwe, a pharmacist with Ducit Blue Solutions, highlighted the widespread dispensing of antibiotics by unlicensed vendors in rural and peri-urban communities, pointing to the gap between policy and practice. "These vendors aren't authorised to prescribe antibiotics, yet they do. The disconnect between regulation and reality is one of the biggest drivers of resistance," she said. Mbadiwe emphasized the need to tighten control on informal dispensing and equip future generations with tools to prevent resistance.
In contrast, Ms. Oluwatoni Akinola, AMR and IPC Programme Officer at the Dr. Ameyo Stella Adadevoh Health Trust (DRASA), emphasized DRASA's model focusing on inclusion, community ownership, and multi-sectoral engagement, particularly in education. She explained efforts to develop an AMR curriculum with key stakeholders like the Ministries of Agriculture and Environment, ensuring a comprehensive approach that includes both urban and rural schools.
Akinola introduced DRASA's Youth-Led One Health Pilot Project, aimed at building the capacity of youth-led organisations to implement one health strategies in their communities. According to her, DRASA has trained over 69,000 youth as health champions across 32 states, with students leading peer education initiatives.
Ms. Fauzia Mohammed, AMR focal person at Africa CDC, stressed the role of youth-led civil society groups in harmonizing data and expanding AMR initiatives continent-wide. She highlighted Africa CDC's strategy to integrate civil society and media into key processes, contributing to sustainable impact.
Mr. Abara Erim, RCCE Technical Officer at Africa CDC, stated that the regional review aimed to assess progress in implementing Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) and AMR surveillance systems across West Africa. The goal is to strengthen regional collaboration through a Community of Practice on AMR and AMS.
NAN notes that AMR occurs when germs such as bacteria and viruses stop responding to medicines designed to kill them. This increases health risks and mainly arises from the misuse and overuse of antibiotics. Health experts stress the importance of preventing AMR to protect public health, as it makes infections harder to treat and can render medicines ineffective.