By Blessing Otobong-Gabriel
Fight against Antimicrobial Resistance, AMR, in Nigeria has gained momentum, as AMR Technical Working Group, TWG, and AMR Coordinating Committee convened for their first-quarter meeting in Abuja.
Dr Tochi Okwor, representing the Director-General of Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, NCDC, praised TWG for their efforts in advancing AMR agenda in Nigeria.
He said AMR continues to pose a significant public health threat, undermining the effectiveness of essential medicines and increasing the burden of infectious diseases.
According to him, the quarterly meeting serves as a platform for reviewing ongoing AMR initiatives, enhancing collaboration and ensuring alignment with national and global action plans.
Head of Corporate Communications, Sani Datti, in a statement, said NCDC congratulated them on developing the second National Action Plan, NAP 2.0, which demonstrates the Nigerian government’s commitment to combat AMR from 2024 to 2028.
“The National Action Plan 2.0 aims to build upon and sustain the achievements of the first AMR NAP, NAP 1.0, implemented from 2017 to 2023. The meeting reviewed progress in AMR surveillance, antimicrobial stewardship, infection prevention and control, IPC and awareness campaigns.”
He informed that the meeting focused on strengthening the implementation of the National Action Plan 2.0, improving coordination across sectors and exploring opportunities for increased funding. With the launch of NAP 2.0, Nigeria is taking a critical step towards combating AMR and ensuring the effectiveness of essential medicines.
The World Health Organisation, WHO, has been supporting Nigeria’s efforts to combat AMR.
Its Country Representative, Dr Walter Mulombo emphasised the importance of addressing AMR, stating that it threatens global health security and requires collective action.
The meeting brought together key stakeholders from human health, animal health, agriculture and the environment to assess progress, discuss challenges and strengthen national response strategies to AMR.
