In an effort to tackle Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in the environmental sector, the Federal Government of Nigeria has created a national antimicrobial strategy and strategic plan. During the launch in Abuja, Dr. Iziaq Salako, the Minister of State for Environment, emphasized the threat that AMR poses to Public Health and the implications it has for the global economy. While the UN Environment Programme acknowledges AMR as a crisis connected to wider environmental issues, the World Health Organization ranks it as one of the top ten threats to global health.
Also, the 2022 Global Antimicrobial Resistance and Use Surveillance System (GLASS) report, which indicates that pathogen resistance rates are increasing and that this is resulting in longer hospital admissions, greater mortality rates, and higher healthcare expenses, was cited by Dr. Salako. The World Bank estimates that by 2030, AMR would have caused trillions of dollars’ worth of healthcare costs and GDP losses. In order to address AMR, the Federal Ministry of Environment has started a number of initiatives, such as conducting a situation analysis in 2020, creating AMR surveillance in the environment, and constructing the Integrated National Environmental Health Surveillance System (INEHSS) in 2022.
It Aims to Prevent 10 Million Deaths by 2050, FAO Supports Plan.
Through increased production, early detection of AMR spread, and improved public health, these initiatives hope to lower the burden of disease and associated healthcare expenditures. Koffy Dominique, the FAO representative for Nigeria, emphasized how AMR affects people, animals, plants, and the environment on a cross-sectoral level. He stated that by 2050, AMR might result in 10 million yearly fatalities if nothing is done. Nigeria’s National AMR Policy and Strategic Plan (2023–2027) were developed with assistance from the FAO in order to improve the environmental sector’s capacity to control AMR. Dominique called for the continuation of the fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and emphasized the significance of data collection, regulation, and environmental monitoring of antimicrobial discharges.
Furthermore, the term “antimicrobial resistance” (AMR) refers to the process by which bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites change over time to become resistant to the actions of drugs that were once effective in treating infections. Numerous processes, including as genetic changes and the acquisition of resistance genes from other organisms, contribute to the development of this resistance. This process is accelerated by the overuse and misuse of antibiotics in agriculture, animals, and humans. The poor treatment of viral illnesses with antibiotics, the use of antibiotics to stimulate animal growth, and the incorrect handling of antimicrobial waste are a few instances of practices that lead to the proliferation of resistant strains.
AMR Crisis Threatens Global Health Progress, Experts Urge Immediate Action
Because AMR compromises the efficacy of crucial treatments for infectious diseases, it poses a serious threat and raises the risk of prolonged illness duration, higher medical expenses, and higher death rates. Resistant infections in healthcare can necessitate more intensive care and lengthier hospital stays. Experts stress how urgent it is to solve AMR. Director of the Center for Disease Dynamics, Economics & Policy Dr. Ramanan Laxminarayan issues the following warning: “We are heading towards a post-antibiotic era where common infections and minor injuries can once again become deadly.”
Director-General of the World Health Organization Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus agrees, saying that “AMR is a global crisis that threatens a century of progress in health.” A multifaceted strategy involving multiple stakeholders is necessary to effectively tackle antimicrobial resistance. Regulations governing the use of antimicrobials in agriculture, veterinary care, and human Medicine must be put into place and enforced by policymakers. Healthcare Providers should spread knowledge about antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and strictly follow rules when prescribing medicines.
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Additionally, it is imperative to educate the public about the significance of adhering to recommended antibiotic treatments and refraining from self-medication. Nigeria’s national antimicrobial policy and strategic plan are a big step in the right direction toward lessening this menace. Early diagnosis and reaction are made possible by timely alerts on the spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) provided by the integration of AMR surveillance into the Integrated National Environmental Health Surveillance System (INEHSS), as stressed by Dr. Iziaq Salako. FAO’s Koffy Dominique emphasizes that this program helps the creation of a strong multi-sectoral response and is consistent with the FAO Nigeria Country Programming Framework (2023–2027).