A public health expert, Dr Gabriel Adakole has called on the Federal Government to strengthen laboratory and surveillance systems in order to effectively combat Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR).
In an interview on Monday in Abuja, Adakole highlighted the growing threat of AMR, which he said jeopardised lives and weakened global health security.
AMR occurs when microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites become resistant to the drugs designed to kill them, making infections harder to treat and potentially life-threatening.
Adakole explained that AMR leads to prolonged illnesses, higher medical costs, and increased mortality.
He emphasised that the World Health Organisation (WHO) had identified AMR as one of the top global health threats, warning that untreated infections and minor injuries could once again become fatal.
He said in Nigeria, the misuse and overuse of antibiotics in humans, animals, and agriculture had contributed to the rise of drug-resistant pathogens.
Adakole pointed out that weak surveillance and laboratory systems hindered Nigeria’s ability to effectively track and respond to AMR cases.
To address this, he called on the government to invest in improving laboratory infrastructure, strengthen disease surveillance, and promote responsible antibiotic use across all sectors.
The expert also stressed the importance of the One Health approach, which integrated human, animal, and environmental health strategies to combat AMR.
Adakole further urged stakeholders including government agencies, research institutions, and global health organisations to collaborate on policies that promoted antimicrobial stewardship and provide sustainable funding for laboratory and surveillance infrastructure.
AMR is responsible for approximately 1.27 million direct deaths annually, with nearly five million deaths indirectly attributed to it.
Projections indicate that by 2050, AMR could result in 1.91 million deaths annually, with a cumulative toll of around 39 million deaths over the next 25 years.
Experts warn that without urgent action, the world might face a return to a pre-antibiotic era, where even minor infections could become life-threatening.
NAN
