The National Taskforce on Antimicrobial Stewardship, consisting of 13 members, was recently established by the Federal Government of Nigeria to address the rising issue of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Their main goal is to tackle the misuse of antibiotics and improve surveillance of microbial sensitivity nationwide. Dr. Tunji Alausa, the Minister of State for Health, presided over the inauguration ceremony in Abuja. He stressed the critical need to address AMR within Nigeria and pointed out the serious consequences it poses. He labelled AMR as a silent yet dangerous menace that has spread worldwide, with Nigeria being no different.
Dr. Alausa emphasised that the impact of this problem goes beyond just human health; it also impacts animal health, agriculture, and the environment. This has led to higher mortality rates, longer periods of illness, and increased financial strain on both families and the country. He highlighted that Nigeria stands out for its high number of deaths related to AMR. 2019 saw a total of 64,500 deaths caused by AMR, with an additional 263,400 deaths linked to the issue. The number of fatalities due to AMR surpasses those caused by enteric infections, respiratory infections, tuberculosis, maternal and neonatal disorders, neglected tropical diseases, malaria, and cardiovascular diseases. This highlights the urgent requirement for prompt intervention.
Collaboration across different sectors is needed.
He emphasised the difficulty in tackling and addressing its negative effects, pointing out the need for collaboration across different sectors and the implementation of specialised strategies. He also pointed out the lack of an antimicrobial stewardship program to track antimicrobial utilisation and resistance patterns in different parts of the country as a major concern. He cautioned that the lack of monitoring could escalate antimicrobial resistance problems, causing increased sickness and death rates, as well as adding pressure on a healthcare system that is already overwhelmed.
By establishing the National Taskforce on Antimicrobial Stewardship in Nigeria, they are taking a proactive approach to address the threat of AMR. The task force will be responsible for overseeing and guiding antimicrobial use in the country, ensuring that these essential medications are used wisely based on sensitivity results. The committee is committed to aiding in national initiatives related to AMR research, monitoring, and the responsible use of antimicrobials. This will involve coordinating surveillance efforts, establishing a platform for data, and raising awareness about the risks of antimicrobial overuse.
It’s a global health emergency that can jeopardise Healthcare systems.
Also, Dr. Omobosola Akinsete, who leads the national task force, emphasised her dedication to improving the country’s healthcare system. She highlighted the urgency of addressing the issue as a global health emergency that jeopardises the core of healthcare systems. It impacts everyone, patients, healthcare professionals, the healthcare system, and the entire community. Akinsete stressed the importance of optimising the use of antimicrobials by ensuring they are only prescribed when needed and patients are given the right amount of safe and effective antibiotics for the shortest time needed to reduce risks.
She announced their intention to target patients in the fight against it, emphasising the task force’s goal of promoting the responsible use of antibiotics. Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, the Mandate Secretary for Health Services and Environment Secretariat of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, expressed praise for the Minister of State for Health’s dedication to enhancing Healthcare in Nigeria during the launch of the task force. The Permanent Secretary of the Secretariat, Dr. Babagana Adams, represented Fasawe at the event, where various stakeholders commended the establishment of the task force.
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Moreover, she stressed the significance of teamwork in the fight against AMR, affirming their commitment to collaborate with the task force in order to reach their goal. With the task force now in action, there is optimism that by working together, the government, healthcare workers, and the public can tackle the issue. Nigeria is focused on raising awareness, promoting responsible antibiotic usage, and improving monitoring and research to safeguard its people and future generations from the harmful effects of resistance.