The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has issued a warning against indiscriminate sale and display of antibiotics.
The centre also called for strict enforcement of prescription regulations to curb growing threat of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR).
The National Focal Point for Human Health on Antimicrobial Resistance, and Programme Manager at the NCDC, Dr Ridwan Yahaya made this known on Tuesday in Abuja.
He spoke during the Surveillance and Prescription Support for Antimicrobial Stewardship Resources Capacity Building (SPARC) – Data for Action in Country Delivery (Nigeria) In-Person Training.
Yahaya said pharmacists and medicine vendors must adhere strictly to prescription guidelines to prevent misuse of antibiotics.
He added that “no pharmacist is expected to display antibiotics on the shelf or dispense them without valid prescription, whether in a hospital or a community pharmacy.’’
He stressed that, according to Nigeria’s National Drug Policy, antibiotics are prescription-only medicines, meaning they should only be dispensed upon a doctor’s directive.
He, however, said that widespread over-the-counter sale of antibiotics especially by community pharmacists and Patent and Proprietary Medicine Vendors (PPMVs) has contributed to rising resistance to life-saving drugs.
He revealed that the NCDC is working with regulatory bodies to ensure compliance with prescription regulations.
He explained that “some medicine vendors are not even supposed to stock antibiotics, yet they dispense them freely without prescriptions.
“We are collaborating with relevant authorities to increase awareness and ensure enforcement of the laws.’’
He urged healthcare workers to embrace antimicrobial stewardship and ensure antibiotics are used only when necessary.
According to him, antimicrobial resistance is one of the top 10 global public health threats, with Nigeria particularly at risk due to poor infection control, lack of potable water and indiscriminate antibiotic use.
He warned that if misuse of antibiotics continue, common infections will become harder to treat, leading to higher mortality rates and prolonged hospital stays.
He urged stakeholders, including healthcare providers, regulatory bodies, and government, to strengthen enforcement of antibiotic prescription laws and promote responsible antibiotic use at all levels of healthcare.
He said “the goal is to protect antibiotics, ensure they remain effective for future generations and reduce the spread of drug-resistant infections in communities.’’
The Chairman of Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN), Wosilat Giwa emphasised the critical role of healthcare professionals in combating AMR, describing it as a serious public health challenge.
Giwa noted that AMR is widespread in hospitals and other healthcare settings, where antimicrobial drugs are frequently misused and overprescribed, leading to resistance.
According to her, healthcare workers must take proactive steps to curb antibiotic misuse and ensure these life-saving drugs remain effective.
She highlighted the urgency of antimicrobial stewardship, stressing that resistance is not just a hospital issue but a broader community concern that affects public health and the economy.
“Strict prescription regulations and public awareness are key to reversing the trend of antimicrobial misuse,” she added.
She urged professionals to actively promote responsible antibiotic use, educate patients on the dangers of self-medication and ensure strict compliance with prescription-only policies.
“The fight against AMR is like a dream of liberation, as it requires collective commitment and sustained efforts,” she said.
Kaura Jeremiah, one of the participants at the training, emphasised the critical role of pharmacists, prescribers and policymakers in enforcing responsible antibiotic use.
With stronger regulation and increased awareness, she said, Nigeria can mitigate the risks of AMR and safeguard public health.
AMR is ranked among the top 10 global public health threats and poses a significant challenge to development, particularly in low- and middle-income countries like Nigeria.
NAN
