By Laide Akinboade, Abuja

Experts in the health sector have raised the alarm over the continue increase in Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in Nigeria.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) occurs when germs (bacteria, virus, or fungus) that cause infections resist the effects of the medicines used to treat them.

This comes in form of antibiotics, antiviral, antifungal and antiparasitics.

This was revealed at training and capacity building for journalists and Community–Based Organization, CBOs, on antimicrobial resistance phase 11, organized by Flaming Fund country Fund, United Kingdom, UKaid and Management Sciences for Health (MSH).

Among those experts that spoke at the occasion Dr. Akujuobi Igwe,  laboratory and reach Director of Rotan medical diagnostic ltd, in his presentation said, 66.8% of Nigerians used anti biotics in the last six months.

“31.3% obtained antibiotics without prescription. Only 8.3% had good knowledge of AMR. 26.1% stopped antibiotics once they felt better.

“A study in northern Nigeria hospitals showed multi drug resistance to bacteria, which shows there is urgent need for regional guidelines and antimicrobial steward program.

“At least 18 bacterial species showed multi drug resistance in food animals.

“All studies on antimicrobial residue in animal products exceeded recommended limits. Significant rise in multi-drug resistant infections among neonates.

“50% of E-Coli, 86% of S-aureus isolates resistant to multiple antibiotics. House flies in hospitals found to carry drug resistance bacteria. Indicates need for improved sanitation and infection control”.

Dr. Mary Alex-Wele, a Consultant clinical microbiologist and Head, Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, from University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, University of Port Harcourt, in her lecture said, Nigeria  is ranked 19th highest with Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), related mortality out of 204 countries surveyed.

She said globally 4.95 million deaths are associated with AMR.

According to her, “Globally 4.5 million deaths associated with AMR, 1.27 million directly attributed to  AMR. Expected to double to 10 million deaths a year by 2050.

“Nigeria ranked 19th highest with AMR related mortality out of 204 countries surveyed.263,400 deaths associated with AMR 64,500 deaths directly attributed to AMR.

“US$100 trillion losses to global economy currently. 3.5% reduction in GDP and 3.8% reduction in livestock numbers by 2050”.

Dr. Sati Ngulukun, Director Organisation, National Veterinary Research Institute, NVRI, Vom, Plateau state, in his presentation said the Interagency Coordination Group on AMR outlined key recommendations, including accelerating national response strategies, fostering innovation, enhancing collaboration, and strengthening global accountability. These measures are expected to mitigate the crisis and protect public health.

Recent health data positions AMR among the leading causes of death in Nigeria, surpassing fatalities from respiratory infections, enteric infections, maternal and neonatal disorders, and neglected tropical diseases. While diseases like tuberculosis and malaria remain major concerns, AMR’s silent rise has alarmed healthcare professionals.