The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, NCDC, and the Nigerian Academy of Science, NAS, have expressed concerns on escalating threat posed by Antimicrobial Resistance, which undermines the ability to treat infections, protect patients, and respond effectively to disease outbreaks.
This discussion took place on Monday at the Lessons Learned for Antimicrobial Resistance Workshop, jointly organized by NAS and the U.S. National Academy of Medicine in Lagos.
Antimicrobial Resistance occurs when microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites evolve to resist the effects of drugs designed to kill or inhibit them. According to the World Health Organisation, this resistance makes infections increasingly difficult or impossible to treat, leading to heightened risks of disease transmission, severe illness, disabilities, and even death.
The NCDC Director-General, Dr. Jide Idris, noted that the organization had witnessed firsthand how AMR compromises public health responses and treatment outcomes. He emphasized that AMR is no longer just an emerging threat but a daily reality that demands immediate, multi-sectoral, and evidence-driven action.
“AMR is no longer an emerging threat; it is a daily reality that demands bold, science-driven, and multisectoral action,” Dr. Idris stated. He also highlighted that Nigeria’s decision to host this crucial meeting in Lagos reflected the country’s strong commitment to advancing AMR response.
Dr. Idris further discussed the critical need for a coordinated global approach to combat AMR, citing the establishment of an independent panel to address AMR as a significant milestone. He emphasized that the panel would bridge the gap between knowledge and action, ensuring evidence-based solutions that are inclusive, practical, and context-sensitive.
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“We must take the steps that will lead us to evidence-driven solutions that will ensure that action is based on scientific facts and is relevant to local contexts,” Idris said. He commended NAS, the U.S. National Academy of Medicine, and the Quadripartite Organizations for their leadership in advancing global AMR governance.
Dr. Doyin Odubanjo, the Executive Secretary of NAS, described AMR as a “wicked problem” that requires global cooperation and shared responsibility. He noted that the complexity of the challenges posed by AMR, in the context of both infectious and non-infectious diseases, makes it a pressing issue that cannot be solved in isolation.
The workshop gathered experts from around the world to discuss the creation of an independent advisory panel on AMR, with the goal of driving change and raising global awareness about the threat. Dr. Odubanjo stressed the importance of prevention, rational drug use, and addressing the social and cultural factors that drive self-medication, particularly in developing countries.
The United Nations General Assembly had previously called in September 2024 for the establishment of an independent panel to combat AMR, aiming to facilitate the use of multi-sectoral, scientific evidence to support countries’ efforts against antimicrobial resistance.
The panel’s mission is to provide the evidence necessary for global decision-making, helping member states strengthen their AMR responses and work toward mitigating this growing public health threat.
NAN
