A Consultant Endocrinologist, Dr Grace Senbanjo, has warned Nigerians against self-medication and the indiscriminate use of antibiotics, saying the practice is driving the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the country.
Senbanjo, a Consultant Physician at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), said in Lagos that the abuse of unprescribed antibiotics has become alarmingly common, posing serious risks to effective healthcare delivery.
She explained that antimicrobial resistance occurs when bacteria and other disease-causing organisms no longer respond to treatment, leading to severe infections, longer hospital stays, and increased deaths.
According to her, antibiotics are meant to treat specific bacterial infections and should only be used after proper medical examination and prescription. However, she noted that many Nigerians misuse antibiotics to treat viral infections such as colds, flu, cough, and sore throat.
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The endocrinologist also cautioned against stopping antibiotics once symptoms improve, stressing that incomplete dosage makes the drugs ineffective over time.
She called on the Federal Government and regulatory authorities to strengthen drug control policies and intensify public awareness campaigns on the proper use of antibiotics.
