NCDC Proposes Four-Pillar Framework Against AMR

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has proposed a four-pillar framework to guide both national and global efforts in tackling the rising threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

Dr Tochi Okwor, Head of Disease Prevention and Control at the NCDC, disclosed this during an interview on Saturday in Abuja.

Okwor emphasised the urgent need for decisive and strategic action at the national level.

“We are at a critical point. If we are to make meaningful progress in the fight against AMR, we must adopt a pragmatic and inclusive approach built on four key pillars,” she said.

She identified the first pillar as “Strategic Information and Pragmatism.”

Okwor highlighted the importance of reliable data in informing AMR surveillance, policy, and intervention.

“Data must guide every step we take, and our strategies must be realistic and tailored to the unique realities of our health system,” she said.

The second pillar, “Equity Must Be Central,” underscores the need to ensure that access to quality antimicrobials, diagnostics, and AMR-related services is not restricted to urban or privileged populations.

“Equity is fundamental. Without it, AMR efforts will remain fragmented and ineffective,” she said.

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The third pillar is titled “Accountability Equals Inclusion,” and calls for transparency and active stakeholder engagement at both community and facility levels.

“Inclusion drives accountability. Communities must have a voice in shaping AMR interventions if we want sustainable outcomes,” she stated.

According to her, the fourth pillar of the framework advocates a “whole-of-society approach.”

She noted that AMR is not merely a clinical issue, but a societal challenge that requires cross-sector collaboration across health, agriculture, environment, and education.

“Antimicrobial resistance threatens our ability to treat infections and safeguard modern medicine.

“These four pillars offer a practical and inclusive roadmap for Nigeria and other low- and middle-income countries to mount an effective response,” she added.

AMR occurs when microorganisms—such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites—develop resistance to drugs intended to kill or inhibit their growth.

Although this resistance can develop naturally through genetic changes, it is accelerated by the overuse and misuse of antimicrobials in both healthcare and agriculture.

Consequently, common infections may become more difficult to treat, resulting in prolonged illness, increased healthcare costs, and a higher risk of mortality.

AMR poses a global health challenge that demands coordinated, multi-sectoral efforts to enhance surveillance, encourage responsible antimicrobial use, and support the development of new treatments.

NAN