As Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) continues to pose a significant threat to global public health, the laboratory and research director at Rotan Medical Diagnostics Ltd, Dr. Akujuobi Igwe has called for greater private sector involvement in addressing this growing crisis.
In an interview with Science Nigeria on Monday, Igwe discussed “The Role of Private Sector Engagement in AMR: Challenges and Opportunities,” highlighting key areas where private companies can make an impact while identifying major barriers to their participation.
According to Igwe, the private sector plays a critical role in diagnostics, research, and drug development. However, he noted that several challenges discourage private investment in AMR solutions.
One major hurdle is the high cost and uncertain profitability of AMR-related innovations.
“Unlike chronic diseases, antibiotics and AMR-related products often have limited profitability, discouraging private investment,” he explained.
Regulatory challenges also pose a significant obstacle, particularly in Nigeria and other low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where inconsistent policies and lengthy approval processes make it difficult for pharmaceutical and diagnostic companies to introduce new AMR solutions.
“Lengthy approval processes for new diagnostics and antibiotics delay access to life-saving interventions,” he added.
Igwe stressed that financial incentives such as tax breaks, research grants, and subsidies are necessary to encourage private-sector investment in AMR research and drug development.
“However, such incentives remain scarce, limiting innovation in AMR-focused research,” he said.
Another major issue is the lack of coordination between governments, research institutions, and private companies, which weakens efforts in AMR surveillance, drug stewardship, and public awareness campaigns.
Despite these challenges, Igwe pointed out several opportunities where private companies can significantly contribute to combating AMR.
He emphasized the role of private diagnostic laboratories in developing rapid AMR diagnostics, which can facilitate early detection of drug-resistant infections, improving treatment outcomes and reducing the misuse of antibiotics.
“Private diagnostic laboratories like Rotan Medical Diagnostics Ltd have a unique opportunity to drive innovation in rapid AMR diagnostics,” he noted.
Igwe also stressed the importance of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) in expanding AMR research, surveillance and antibiotic production.
“Governments should create enabling environments where private firms can actively participate in AMR initiatives,” he said.
Furthermore, pharmaceutical companies and drug distributors can support antibiotic stewardship programmes by ensuring responsible marketing and distribution of antimicrobial products.
“Encouraging the production of high-quality, affordable generic antibiotics can help reduce the circulation of substandard and counterfeit drugs, which contribute to AMR,” he added.
Private companies can also play a key role in educating healthcare professionals and the public about AMR.
“By funding awareness campaigns, organising training for healthcare workers, and promoting responsible antibiotic use, the private sector can help curb the spread of resistant infections,” Igwe said.
He urged governments and international donors to collaborate with the private sector to establish research funding programs targeting AMR solutions.
“This would encourage more private-sector players to engage in the development of novel antibiotics and alternative therapies,” he stated.
Igwe concluded by emphasizing that tackling AMR requires a multi-sectoral approach, with the private sector playing a vital role in ensuring sustainable solutions.
