The Nigerian Government has inaugurated a National Task Force on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Stewardship, signalling a decisive step toward combating the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance in the country.
The Minister of State for Health, Dr Tunji Alausa, speaking at the inauguration on Tuesday in Abuja, said that the task force was aimed at addressing the growing threat of AMR in the country.
AMR is a critical global health issue where infections from bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites become resistant to treatments.
It led to 4.95 million deaths globally in 2019, with 1.27 million directly attributed to AMR.
Alausa said that the task force, which comprises experts from healthcare, academia, and other relevant sectors, was set to implement a national action plan aimed at curbing the spread of AMR and safeguarding public health.
He stressed the gravity of the AMR challenge, calling it a silent but deadly threat that has profound implications for human health and also for animal health, agriculture, and the environment.
He said that Nigeria was among countries with the highest number of deaths associated with AMR
According to him, in 2019, the nation recorded 64,500 deaths directly attributable to AMR and 263,400 deaths associated with it.
“AMR deaths in Nigeria are higher than those from enteric infections, respiratory infections, tuberculosis, maternal and neonatal disorders, neglected tropical diseases, malaria, and cardiovascular diseases,” he said.
The minister also pointed out the absence of a national Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) programme to monitor the use and sensitivity patterns of antimicrobials across the country.
He said that this gap posed a significant danger, potentially leading to increased antimicrobial resistance, higher morbidity and mortality rates, and further strain on the country’s healthcare system.
He said that the task force would coordinate AMR surveillance and research activities across the country, reviewing existing data, aligning agencies, and establishing an effective nationwide surveillance system.
“An integrated digital information platform will be created to facilitate communication, coordination, and the dissemination of AMR-related information.
“The platform will support the establishment of AMS programmes in both public and private health institutions, and promote state and local government leadership in AMR surveillance and stewardship,” he said.
He said that the task force would also promote awareness of AMR among the public and healthcare providers.
According to Alausa, it will build capacity through training programmes for infectious disease physicians and pharmacists, and develop strategies to engage and train personnel at patent pharmacies.
He described the inauguration as the beginning of a coordinated and strategic response by the government to tackle AMR.
He expressed confidence that the task force, through its comprehensive and multisectoral approach, would play a crucial role in mitigating the impact of AMR in the country.
The World Health Organization (WHO) Representative in Nigeria, Dr Walter Mulombo, acknowledged key stakeholders in the fight against AMR and stressed the urgency of addressing AMR as a critical national public health issue.
Mulombo highlighted significant global resolutions and events in 2024, including the WHO strategic priorities for addressing drug-resistant bacterial infections and upcoming high-level meetings on AMR, demonstrating a global commitment to tackling the issue.
He detailed the severe health, economic, and development impacts of AMR in Nigeria, including high mortality rates, economic losses, and negative effects on sustainable development goals (SDGs).
He underscored the support from WHO and the commitment to align with Nigeria’s priorities to enhance the national AMR response, implement the National Action Plan (NAP-2.0), and support evidence-based interventions.
He underscored the critical nature of AMR, the global and local efforts to address it, and the commitment to strengthening the response.
Dr Omobosola Akinsete, National Coordinator of the Antimicrobial Stewardship Taskforce for Nigeria, said that AMR was a global public health crisis that threatened healthcare systems, including Nigeria’s.
Akinsete underscored the need for immediate action to preserve the effectiveness of antimicrobials.
She outlined the task force’s mission to coordinate efforts across different sectors to combat AMR in Nigeria.
She highlighted the importance of collaboration, data generation, and the promotion of evidence-based antimicrobial use.
According to her, there is the for a unified effort involving healthcare professionals, researchers, government agencies, and the public to address AMR and ensure a sustainable healthcare system for future generations.
She emphasised the critical importance of coordinated action against AMR in Nigeria.
Earlier, Ms Daju Kachollom, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, said that the inauguration marked a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s healthcare journey.
Kachallom said that it signalled the nation’s commitment to addressing one of the most pressing public health challenges of our time.
According to her, the task force’s work will be instrumental to guiding the country’s efforts to combat AMR and protect the health of its citizens.
She acknowledged that AMR posed a significant threat to Nigeria’s health security, economic development, and social well-being and the urgent need for a coordinated response.
She explained how the misuse and overuse of antimicrobials have accelerated the emergence of resistant microorganisms, making infections harder to treat and increasing mortality rates.
She outlined the specific challenges Nigeria faces in combating AMR.
She said that the challenges included limited access to quality healthcare, inadequate surveillance and monitoring, poor infection prevention and control practices, and the misuse of antimicrobials in both human and animal health.
In Nigeria, AMR is responsible for 64,500 deaths, disproportionately affecting children under five.
The primary drivers of AMR include improper use of antimicrobials, poor prescription practices, circulation of substandard drugs, and inadequate sanitation.
