The Federal Government has introduced the National Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Policy, a strategic initiative aimed at combating the rising threat of antimicrobial resistance. This policy is set to enhance public health, bolster economic productivity, and integrate human, animal, and environmental health within a One Health framework. As reported by CHINYERE OKOROAFOR, the initiative seeks to mitigate AMR’s impact on public health and the economy, ensuring effective disease management and safeguarding future generations.
Under the leadership of Dr. Iziaq Salako, Minister of State for Environment, the Federal Government has rolled out the National AMR Policy. This policy is a decisive step to address the growing concern of antimicrobial resistance, which poses a significant threat to public health and the effective treatment of infectious diseases. The government’s approach is designed to reduce AMR’s impact on healthcare systems, fostering a coordinated and strategic response to this pressing issue.
During the policy’s unveiling in Abuja, Dr. Salako emphasized the socio-economic advantages the country stands to gain from the policy’s successful implementation. He highlighted that the policy aims to significantly improve public health outcomes, which will, in turn, enhance productivity across various sectors. By tackling antimicrobial resistance head-on, the policy is expected to drive economic growth and development through a healthier population.
“Nigeria, as a responsible member of the global community, is committed to adopting a holistic approach to addressing AMR, ensuring all sector involvement, avoiding duplication, and efficiently utilizing scarce resources. To achieve this and protect public health, food security, and the environment, recognizing the interconnectedness between human, animal, and environmental health, in line with the One Health principles, is essential,” Dr. Salako stated.
Dominique Koffy Kouacou, Head of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) in Nigeria, also highlighted the critical nature of the AMR policy, noting that antimicrobial resistance affects not only humans but also animals, plants, and the environment. This comprehensive approach ensures that the policy addresses AMR from all angles, promoting a safer and more sustainable ecosystem. “AMR is a One Health issue that requires action from all sectors. If not addressed, it is estimated that by 2050, 10 million people could die annually, and the economies of nations could be severely impacted,” Kouacou warned.
The FAO’s support in developing this policy underscores the importance of international cooperation in tackling AMR. According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), AMR is intrinsically linked to the broader triple planetary crisis, which includes climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. The UNEP report highlights AMR’s rapid escalation, which complicates treatment protocols, increases mortality rates, and significantly drives up healthcare costs. AMR is listed by the World Health Organization (WHO) as one of the top 10 threats to global health, with Nigeria facing a significant burden, including an estimated 64,000 deaths annually linked to AMR.
The Federal Government’s initiative, launched in Abuja, underscores a renewed commitment to addressing this silent yet potent health challenge. As advocates have suggested, public awareness campaigns are essential in combating resistant infections. These campaigns should stress the dangers of self-medication and antibiotic misuse, emphasizing that such treatments should only be used when absolutely necessary. Additionally, the importance of preventive measures against infections needs to be highlighted.
Understanding AMR
In an exclusive interview with The Nation, Prof. Iruka Okeke, a Pharmaceutical Microbiologist at the University of Ibadan and a Calestous Juma Science Leadership Fellow, explained the concept of antimicrobial resistance. She described AMR as a condition where germs become unresponsive to medicines that once killed them, making it harder for patients to recover and leading to more severe health complications.
Prof. Okeke also discussed how bacteria develop resistance through various mechanisms, such as pumping antibiotics out of their cells, breaking down the drugs, or altering their internal targets to evade the antibiotics’ effects.
She attributed the high mortality rates associated with AMR in Nigeria to the ineffectiveness of first-line antibiotics, limited access to more expensive alternatives, and insufficient diagnostic facilities. “AMR is a major killer in Nigeria primarily because of inadequate diagnostic capabilities. Often, we cannot determine who has a resistant infection versus a susceptible one, nor can we identify the most effective first-line drug to use. This lack of precise diagnostics means that patients are more likely to receive ineffective treatments, increasing the risk of death from resistant infections,” Prof. Okeke explained.
Challenges in Combating AMR in Nigeria
Nigeria faces significant challenges in the fight against AMR, exacerbated by the country’s large population, high infection rates, and a struggling healthcare system. Prof. Okeke noted the shortage of healthcare professionals, many of whom are leaving the country, and the infrastructure issues that contribute to the spread of infections. Access to healthcare in remote areas, where people often travel long distances to reach medical facilities, further complicates the timely treatment of infections, increasing the risk of mortality.
Dr. Salako emphasized that AMR’s impact extends beyond health concerns, affecting global economic stability and security. He noted that the spread of resistant pathogens could disrupt international trade and travel, leading to significant economic losses. The World Bank has projected that AMR could add $1 trillion in healthcare costs by 2050 and result in annual GDP losses ranging from $1 trillion to $3.4 trillion by 2030.
Prof. Okeke elaborated on the economic implications of AMR, which include reduced productivity, increased healthcare costs, and a strain on families and communities. She stressed that AMR leads to a decreased labor supply due to the long-term health consequences of resistant infections and potential disruptions in economic activities.
Strategies to Prevent AMR
Preventing AMR requires stringent infection control measures in hospitals, according to Prof. Okeke. She emphasized the importance of access to water for handwashing, which can significantly reduce the spread of infections. “Simple yet effective practices like handwashing help prevent the transmission of infections, avoiding further complications,” she said.
Prof. Okeke also highlighted the importance of improved water and sanitation, which can prevent an estimated 250,000 deaths annually from AMR. She pointed out that vaccines play a crucial role in preventing infections that could otherwise lead to antibiotic use, potentially saving nearly 200,000 lives each year.
Furthermore, she stressed the need for responsible antibiotic use, education on the appropriate use of antibiotics, and the development of new antibiotics and alternative treatments to keep pace with resistant pathogens.
In conclusion, Prof. Okeke underscored the importance of international cooperation in combating AMR. She emphasized the role of global collaboration through organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) in sharing data, strategies, and resources. Coordinated global surveillance programs to monitor antibiotic use and resistance patterns are vital for a unified response to AMR.
With the National AMR Policy, Nigeria is poised to proactively manage and mitigate the threat of antimicrobial resistance, ensuring the protection of public health, economic stability, and future generations. The policy’s holistic approach, grounded in the principles of One Health, reflects a comprehensive strategy to tackle AMR on all fronts, promoting a safer and more sustainable ecosystem.
