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This warning was issued during a one-day awareness
initiative focused on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) held on Monday in Enugu.
The event was organized by Winifred Maduko, a PhD candidate at the University
of St. Andrews in the UK.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the program
is part of a broader grassroots initiative aimed at addressing AMR and
promoting responsible antibiotic usage.
AMR has been recognized as a significant global health
challenge, threatening the efficacy of antibiotics in treating infections and
diseases. The World Health Organization (WHO) has listed AMR among the top ten
global health threats.
During her presentation on "Grassroots Solutions to
Combat Antimicrobial Resistance," Maduko emphasized the necessity of
public knowledge regarding the appropriate use of antibiotics.
She noted that this engagement project is being conducted in
partnership with Afia TV, South Sahara, and various social development
organizations, and is currently active in Enugu State.
“We want to use this platform to create awareness to people
in Enugu and beyond to know more about antimicrobial resistance; to get proper
information that the misuse of antibiotics leads to antimicrobial resistance.
“We can increase knowledge about these drugs through public
awareness, which is what we are doing today.
“We had over 60 participants who will go back to their
communities and spread the news.
“They should understand that self-medication is very bad,
especially as it regards to the use of antibiotics.’’
Maduko stated that in rural communities, Nigerians
frequently purchase antibiotics without a prescription, often disregarding the
potential health consequences.
“By creating awareness on antibiotics misuse , together we
will live a healthier life and also make antibiotics sustainable for the next
generation,” she said.
Maduko highlighted that the government has developed
strategies to combat antimicrobial resistance, emphasizing that the primary
responsibility rests with individuals regarding their health.
Dr. Stanley Ilechukwu, Executive Director of South Sahara
and Social Development Organisations in Enugu, added that individuals can
mitigate the risk of antimicrobial resistance through effective awareness and
education.
He pointed out that failing to undergo appropriate testing
before seeking treatment, relying on unlicensed street vendors, and engaging in
self-medication can exacerbate one's health issues.
“But if people are educated on these, they will cut down on
the practice of self-medication and will not expose themselves or their
neighbors to antimicrobials resistance,’’ he said.
Ilechukwu encouraged the community to obtain health
insurance, emphasizing that such coverage would significantly facilitate their
access to medical care.
Additionally, Dr. Chioma Nwoba, a physician, highlighted
that improper use of antibiotics can result in antimicrobial resistance,
rendering medications ineffective when misused.
“When people take antibiotics without restrictions, the
organisms in their body now develop resistance leading to same drug no longer
taking care of the illnesses,’’ she said.
A pharmacist at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital,
Enugu , Kenneth Egwu, said that the causes of antimicrobial resistance included
abuse of antimicrobials and using antimicrobials to rear animals and exposure
to infections.
One of the participants, Ikechukwu Okolie, thanked the
convener for the programme
Okolie said that a lot of people would hear about
antimicrobials resistance through the sensitisation programme.