AMR Crisis: Expert Warns of Rising Antimicrobial Resistance Deaths in Nigeria

A key expert in the fight against Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), the National Coordinator Emergency Center for  Transboundry Animal Disease, Food and Agriculture Organisation, Dr. Ayodele Majekodunmi, has revealed alarming statistics showing Nigeria’s position as 19th among 204 countries most affected by AMR-related deaths.

Speaking at a Step-Down training Programme on Media-EIS tracks and AMR for Association of Nigeria Health Journalists in Abuja the nation’s capital,  Dr. Majekodunmi described AMR as a silent but escalating global health crisis.

“In 2019, AMR directly caused 64,500 deaths in Nigeria and was a contributing factor in over 263,000 more. Globally, AMR accounts for 1.3 million direct deaths and contributes to over 4 million fatalities annually. Without decisive interventions, this figure could rise to 10 million deaths per year by 2050, surpassing fatalities from cance.”

Dr. Majekodunmi highlighted the improper use of antimicrobials in humans, animals, and agriculture as a major driver of resistance.

“Practices such as using antibiotics for livestock growth promotion or self-medication in humans are exacerbating the crisis.

“The economic implications are equally dire, with AMR increasing healthcare costs, reducing productivity, and threatening food security. “Antimicrobial resistance does not only affect health, it undermines livelihoods and development,” she said.

Dr. Majekodunmi called for stricter regulations, improved public awareness, and coordinated global efforts to combat AMR.

She also stressed the importance of personal responsibility, urging individuals to avoid self-medication and practice good hygiene.

The training served as a rallying call for policymakers, healthcare professionals, and agricultural stakeholders to collaborate in addressing the AMR threat and safeguarding future generations.

The Deputy Project Director, Risk Communication, Breakthrough  Action Nigeria/ Resident Advisor Media- EIS, Dr. Olayinka Umar-Farouk, emphasized the critical role of collaboration between media and public health professionals in addressing communication challenges, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr Umar-Farouk highlighted the need for a shared approach to saving lives through accurate information dissemination and informed decision-making.

“This drive led to the creation of the Media Epidemiology Infodemic Management Social Behavior Change Fellowship Program, aimed at connecting science and people for better health outcomes.

“The program, initiated in 2022 after an extensive needs assessment with media stakeholders, took shape through collaboration with professional associations. A tailored curriculum was developed to address gaps in epidemiology, social behavior change, and infodemic management.

“Launched in June 2023, the program received over 500 applications, with 30 fellows selected for a 15-month comprehensive training. The fellowship was divided into three tracks, epidemiology, social behavior change, and infodemic management, offering a mix of in-person and virtual sessions, field visits, and mentorship,” she explained.

Dr. Umar-Farouk reported remarkable achievements, including fellows receiving national recognition, securing additional fellowships, and participating in outbreak response efforts.

“The program’s success is reflected in its focus on real-world application, as teams tackled specific diseases to translate knowledge into action. With the first cohort set to graduate in December, plans are underway to expand the fellowship and enhance the skills gained during the program.”

Expressing gratitude to Breakthrough Action for their support, Dr. Umar-Farouk noted the importance of ongoing capacity building for effective health communication.

She emphasized that well-informed professionals can better equip their audiences to understand and address health challenges, ultimately improving Nigeria’s health outcomes.

The Co-convener and Fellow of the Media Epidemiology Infodemic Management Fellowship (Media-EIS), Ojoma Akor emphasized the critical role of epidemiology in journalism.

She explained that the discipline equips journalists with the tools to interpret and communicate scientific data, especially during health emergencies, ensuring accurate and impactful reporting.

Akor highlighted how these skills enable journalists to understand reports from health organizations like the NCDC and WHO, enhancing their ability to inform the public effectively.

Akor also discussed the real-world applications of epidemiology, noting how factors like behavior and environment influence disease spread.

“By understanding these principles, journalists can bridge the gap between science and the public, contributing to improved health awareness and outcomes,” she noted.