NAFDAC warns against misuse of antibiotics

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), has issued a strong warning against the misuse of antibiotics in humans and animals.

Speaking at the conclusion of the 2024 World Antimicrobial Awareness Week, held in collaboration with the Royal Danish Embassy and Denmark’s Ministry of Environment and Food, NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, emphasised the dire consequences of such practices.

“Misuse of antibiotics, such as not completing prescribed dosages or consuming animals treated with antibiotics before the drugs clear from their systems, contributes to antimicrobial resistance.

“This resistance renders antibiotics ineffective, posing severe risks to human health. Antimicrobial Awareness Week serves as a crucial reminder that antibiotics should be used responsibly and not indiscriminately,” Adeyeye explained.

Speaking on the theme of the week: “Educate, Advocate, Act Now,” Adeyeye noted that NAFDAC had intensified its efforts to educate pharmacists, veterinarians, and other stakeholders on responsible antibiotic use.

She stressed the importance of obtaining receipts for antibiotic purchases to enable traceability in cases of resistance.

“We also advise veterinarians and butchers to avoid slaughtering animals immediately after administering antibiotics, allowing sufficient time for the drugs to leave the animal’s system,” she added.

Adeyeye warned of the escalating difficulty in treating infections that were once easily managed with antibiotics, antivirals, and antifungals.

“Resistance is reversing decades of medical progress, endangering routine surgeries, medical procedures, and the treatment of common infections.

“The most pressing concern is resistance found at birth in newborns. This growing AMR crisis poses an unquantifiable threat to human, animal, and environmental health.”

She attributed the spread of AMR to several factors, including the misuse of antimicrobial agents, the presence of substandard and falsified products, and irresponsible drug handling.

NAFDAC, she said, had implemented measures to identify and mitigate these causes through its regulatory activities.

The Danish Ambassador to Nigeria, Jens Ole Bach Hansen, also underscored the global nature of the challenge.

“Antimicrobial resistance is a global issue that requires collaboration across borders. Bacteria know no boundaries.

“NAFDAC has been highly effective in addressing this issue, and our partnership has allowed us to share expertise and experiences, enabling us to tackle similar challenges collaboratively.”

The event served as a platform to advocate for stronger international cooperation, heightened awareness, and actionable measures to combat the rising threat of antimicrobial resistance.