The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has underscored the urgent need to address antimicrobial resistance (AMR), describing it as a “silent killer” that claims more lives than malaria, tuberculosis and HIV combined.
During a press briefing on Thursday in Abuja, director-general of the NCDC, Dr. Jide Idris emphasised that cultural practices and the misuse of antibiotics significantly contribute to the spread of resistant infections.
“Tomorrow, the Minister of Health will launch the National Action Plan 2 on AMR, designed to tackle these pressing issues and enhance public awareness,” he announced. Idris noted that AMR is termed a silent killer due to its devastating yet underreported impact on public health.
“It causes more deaths than malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV combined,” he remarked, highlighting that many Nigerians remain unaware of the severity of this threat due to cultural practices and misinformation.
He explained that the overuse, underuse, and misuse of antibiotics, alongside the circulation of counterfeit drugs, are major factors contributing to the rise of AMR. The director-general stressed the necessity of public awareness campaigns to educate both the general public and healthcare professionals about the dangers of AMR.
The new National Action Plan on AMR will focus on governance, surveillance, antimicrobial stewardship, research, and infection prevention. “Public awareness efforts will be scaled up nationwide, with particular emphasis on rural communities,” he stated, assuring that the plan would be implemented immediately after its launch.
Idris also expressed concerns regarding the recent flooding in Nigeria, which has exacerbated the spread of waterborne diseases like cholera. “Floodwaters not only spread diseases but also carry harmful chemicals and pharmaceutical waste that contribute to the spread of AMR,” he explained.
He mentioned that the NCDC is collaborating with partners such as Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), the Red Cross, UNICEF, and local organisations to enhance healthcare delivery, especially in rural areas. “These partnerships aim to train community health workers and increase public awareness regarding proper hygiene practices, infection control and the safe use of antibiotics,” he added.
The director-general reiterated the importance of surveillance and reporting for cholera and other infectious diseases. “Underreporting, due to stigma and fear, hinders the effective containment of outbreaks,” he said, urging state governments and health facilities to comply with mandatory disease reporting protocols.
As Nigeria prepares for the launch of the National Action Plan 2 on AMR, Idris highlighted the need for ongoing collaboration among public health authorities, healthcare professionals, and the public. He explained that proper hygiene practices, the safe use of antibiotics, and community education play crucial roles in combating AMR and preventing future public health crises.
According to Science Nigeria, AMR poses a significant threat to the prevention and treatment of various infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. This resistance occurs when these microorganisms evolve and no longer respond to treatments, making infections more challenging to manage and increasing the risks of disease spread, severe illness, and death.
As a result, effective medicines become ineffective, leading to persistent infections that can be transmitted to others. Antimicrobials—including antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals and antiparasitics—are used to treat infections in humans, animals, and plants. Those microorganisms that develop resistance are often referred to as “superbugs.”
In summary, as the NCDC gears up for the launch of the National Action Plan 2 on AMR, the initiative aims to enhance public understanding of AMR and its impacts on health. By fostering collaboration and awareness, Nigeria hopes to mitigate the risks posed by AMR and ensure better health outcomes for its population.
