Nigerian Officials Warn of Rising AMR Risks at World Awareness Week Flag-Off

News in brief:

-Nigeria's Ministry of Livestock Development urged responsible use of antibiotics in humans, animals, and crops during the 2025 World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week (WAAW).

-The initiative highlights the urgent need to curb antimicrobial resistance, protect public health, and safeguard the effectiveness of life-saving treatments.

The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, urged Nigerians to stop the inappropriate and unprescribed use of antibiotics in humans, animals, and crops. He made the statement at the flag-off of the 2025 World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week (WAAW), represented by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Chinyere Ijeoma Akujobi.

The theme for 2025, Act Now, Protect Our Present, Secure Our Future, calls for collective responsibility across sectors to safeguard public health and preserve the effectiveness of antimicrobial treatments for future generations.

AMR Poses a Significant Public Health Threat

Minister Mukhtar explained that antimicrobial resistance (AMR) arises when bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites no longer respond to standard treatments. He described AMR as one of the most pressing global public health threats, with the potential to limit treatment options for common infections in both humans and animals.

Projections suggest that by 2050, AMR could cause up to 10 million deaths annually worldwide, with Africa potentially accounting for 4 million. The Minister emphasised the importance of clinicians, veterinarians, and other practitioners using antimicrobials responsibly, particularly in food-producing animals.

One Health Approach to Address AMR

Dr Samuel Anzaku, Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria, underscored that AMR is a One Health challenge requiring coordinated action across humans, animals, and the environment. Represented by Dr Patience Tomoh, he noted that misuse of antimicrobials threatens food systems, economic stability, and sustainable development.

Similarly, the Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, represented by Dr Nasir Ahmed, stressed the need for strengthened surveillance, responsible antimicrobial use, and cross-sectoral collaboration.

Environmental and Pollution Control Measures

The Federal Ministry of Environment, through Chief Environmental Health Officer Chika Okpala, reaffirmed its commitment to environmental surveillance, including wastewater and hotspot monitoring. The Ministry continues to promote antimicrobial stewardship through pollution control and WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) interventions.

Officials at the event emphasised that addressing AMR requires active participation from healthcare professionals, livestock practitioners, farmers, and the general public. Sustained efforts to monitor, regulate, and educate on antimicrobial use are crucial to safeguarding public health and ensuring sustainable agricultural and medical systems in Nigeria.