The federal government has urged Nigerians, particularly medical practitioners, to cease the misuse and unauthorized administration of antib...
The federal government has urged Nigerians, particularly medical practitioners, to cease the misuse and unauthorized administration of antibiotics in humans, livestock, and crops.
Idi Mukhtar Maiha, the Minister of Livestock Development, issued the statement in Abuja during the Launching Ceremony of the 2025 World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week (WAAW).
The minister was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Chinyere Ijeoma Akujobi.
Discover moreDailyNewspapereducationCrona EnterpriseNewspapersapplicationsThe 2025 WAAW, themed "Act Now, Protect Our Present, Secure Our Future," highlights the critical importance of Nigerian citizens uniting to combat the improper use of antimicrobials.
It urges individuals, experts, and relevant parties from various fields to contribute their share in protecting public health now and ensuring the continued effectiveness of life-saving drugs for future generations.
Discover moreNewspaperNewspaperseducationapplicationsDailyCrona EnterpriseMaiha stated that Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) happens when harmful organisms like bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites stop responding to treatments that were once successful.
He characterized AMR as one of the most significant global public health challenges, hindering the effectiveness of treating typical infections in both humans and animals.
He pointed out that forecasts suggest that by 2050, AMR might lead to as many as 10 million deaths each year globally, with Africa expected to represent approximately 4 million of these fatalities.
The Minister emphasized the importance of healthcare professionals, veterinary experts, and other practitioners using antibiotics carefully and wisely, particularly in human patients and animals used for food production.
Previously, the Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria (CVON), Dr. Samuel Anzaku, emphasized that antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a One Health issue that demands immediate, courageous, and unified efforts.
Anzaku, represented by the National Coordinator for PPR, Dr. Patience Tomoh, highlighted that the improper use of antimicrobials in humans, animals, and crops remains a major factor in resistance, endangering food systems, economies, and sustainable development.
The Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), represented by Dr. Nasir Ahmed, emphasized the importance of enhancing monitoring systems, encouraging the proper use of antimicrobial agents, and fostering greater cooperation throughout all areas of the One Health framework.
Discover moreCrona EnterpriseNewspaperDailyNewspaperseducationapplicationsIn the same way, the Director of Pollution Control and Environmental Health within the Federal Ministry of Environment, represented by Chief Environmental Health Officer Chika Okpala, emphasized the Ministry's dedication to improving environmental monitoring, such as wastewater and hotspot tracking.
She also emphasized continued initiatives aimed at advancing antimicrobial stewardship via pollution reduction and WASH programs.
Conveying a message of goodwill, the representative from the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), Dr. Solomon Olorunleke, emphasized FAO's dedication to aiding food security and addressing antimicrobial resistance in Nigeria.
Discover moreeducationDailyapplicationsCrona EnterpriseNewspaperNewspapersAdditional positive messages were also shared by the World Health Organisation (WHO), Fleming Fund Msh, DRASA, DUCIT Blue, the NCDC, the Veterinary Council of Nigeria, and the National Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA).
A seven-day global initiative to raise awareness about antimicrobial resistance, officially launched on Tuesday, will continue until November 24.
During the week-long initiative, the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, along with its One Health collaborators, will implement various awareness campaigns in Abuja and specific states, with the goal of informing the public, involving livestock farmers, and enhancing the country's dedication to the proper use of antimicrobials.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).
