‎By Olawumi Oyehan

‎Experts in the health sector have decried that 70 per cent of Nigerians are still buying antibiotics without prescriptions.

‎The experts identified this as the major cause of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), saying that it is unacceptable.

‎They, therefore, urged the relevant agencies of the government to enforce laws prohibiting the over-the-counter sale of prescription-only antibiotics.

‎Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) occurs when microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, evolve over time to survive the medications designed to kill them.

‎The call was made during a two-day workshop in Abuja organized by the A-STEP Project of the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) in collaboration with the Nigeria AMR Media Alliance (NAMA).

‎Giorgia Sulis, Assistant Professor and Canada Chair Communicable Diseases, Epidemiology, said about 227,000 Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) associated deaths in Nigeria in 2021.

‎She lamented that 20 per cent of the deaths are under five years old children.

‎She noted that AMR is already causing substantial illness and death worldwide.

‎About five million deaths were associated with AMR in 2019.

‎She said Nigeria ranks 20th of 204 countries for AMR related mortality.

‎She identified inefficient surveillance system, as a major challenge in addressing the challenges of AMR.

‎She, however, added that Nigeria has made some progress.

‎”Nigeria launched its first National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in 2017, and a few years ago, the plan was revised and updated to reflect current realities. So, there are ongoing efforts to strengthen surveillance systems, improve coordination, and ensure that we are better equipped to detect, monitor, and respond to antimicrobial resistance across the country,” she said.

‎Dr Charity Oga-Omenka pointed out that Patent and Proprietary Medicine Vendors (PPMVs) and unregistered drug outlets frequently dispense potent prescription-only antimicrobials without diagnostic testing.

‎Poor compliance with policy continues to fuel inappropriate use, leading to treatment failure, prolonged hospitalizations, and higher economic burdens for families.”

‎Oga-Omenka also highlighted policy gaps surrounding traditional medicine, warning that while herbal remedies are widely consumed, the lack of standardised dosages and regulatory oversight poses an unquantified risk to public safety.

‎Dr Patrick Dakum the Chief Executive Officer of IHVN), who was represented by Dr Eriobu Nnakelu, Principal Investigator, IRCE, IHVN, in his welcome address, highlighted the role of the media in creating awareness about AMR.

‎”I would like to sincerely appreciate you all for coming. When I heard that NAMA was organizing this training for journalists, I was genuinely excited because opportunities like this are not very common.

‎”We are truly grateful that you are here. As scientists and researchers, we cannot achieve our goals without effectively communicating our work to the public. Journalists play a vital role in bridging the gap between science and the everyday lives of people. Through accurate and responsible reporting, you help ensure that scientific knowledge reaches the communities that need it most,” he said.