the emergence of antibiotic resistance has been complicating the management of infectious diseases especially where successes have been recorded in the last few years.

the emergence of antibiotic resistance has been complicating the management of infectious diseases especially where successes have been recorded in the last few years.

“The antibiotics that where once life savers are becoming a problem because of the misuse and this has led to a situation where antibiotics are not responding to the treatment of infections any longer and this is adversely affecting the human and animal health system and the economy. Developing countries will suffer more if a solution is not found to it.

“Antibiotic resistance is a problem that complicates both common and complex surgeries. It is meant to help to prevent from the risk of death or contacting infections from the surgery, however things are fast changing the the desired effect of the use of antibiotics is fast declining,” he added.

He said ”the threat of when antibiotics will fail to serve their roles in combating infectious diseases is currently the biggest fear of the entire global health system.”

He added that global bodies such as WHO, the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations, FAO, and the World Organisation for Animal Health are advocating for responsible use of antibiotics in humans and animals.

Mr. Ihekweazu said, in response to this emerging crises, NCDC recently brought together experts from various ministries and agencies, academia and the private sector to chart a path towards a National Action Plan to combat antimicrobial resistance in Nigeria.

He added though that Nigeria is not yet where it should be with the curbing of indiscriminate antibiotics use, he is however optimistic that the country is on the right path.

The agency, as part of the events lined up for the week also had a road walk on Monday in collaboration with WHO, members of the National Youth Service Corp, NYSC, and other health partners to sensitise Nigerians on the dangers of using antibiotics without proper medical investigations and prescription.
NYSC members in collaboration with Nigeria Centre for Disease Control on a road walk to sensitize Nigerians about antibiotics resistance awareness week in Abuja
NYSC members in collaboration with Nigeria Centre for Disease Control on a road walk to sensitize Nigerians about antibiotics resistance awareness week in Abuja.

The campaign which kicked off from the NCDC office in Jabi through the Jabi motor park and ended at Utako market.

Mr. Abiodun Ogunniyi, an epidemiologist with NCDC, said the agency embarked on the road walk to sensitise Nigerian on the need to be cautious with the way they use drugs especially unprescribed drugs such as antibiotics which is fast becoming resistant in the treatment of ailments and bacterial infection.

Dooshiwa Kwange, Department of Pest Control Service, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development also urged the government to implement policies that will protect both humans and animals.

Ten things to know about antibiotics

1. Always seek the advice of a qualified health care professional before taking antibiotics.

2. Antibiotics do not treat viral infections such as cold and flu.

3. You can help prevent infection through good hygiene.

4. Always get a laboratory test done to rule out type of infections before taking antibiotics.

5. Never share antibiotics. Always finish your dosage. Antibiotics ‘is never too small but can be too many,’ always stick to the recommended dosage.

6. Anybody can become antibiotic resistant no matter the age or country.

7. Antibiotics resistance poses a big threat to global health.

8. Constant and unnecessary treatment of animals with antibiotics can lead to antibiotic resistance.

9. When a human becomes antibiotic resistant, common antibiotics may stop working for them and they would have to spend more to buy advanced antibiotics to treat common infections.

10. The rise of antibiotics resistance is leading to infections not being treatable and the threat can affect anyone.

Commonly misused antibiotics in Nigeria

1. Penicillins such as amoxicillin;

2. Ciprotab, Ciprofolxacin;

3. Gentamicin;

4. Tetracycline, doxycycline.

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