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FG Inaugurates Task Force To Combat Antimicrobial Resistance
The Federal Government has inaugurated a National Task Force on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Stewardship, signalling a decisive step toward combating the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance in the country.
Dr Tunji Alausa, Minister of State for Health, speaking at the inauguration in Abuja, yesterday, said that the task forcewas aimed at addressing the growing threat of AMR in the country.
The Tide source reports that AMR is a critical global health issue where infections from bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites become resistant to treatments.
It led to 4.95 million deaths globally in 2019, with 1.27 million directly attributed to AMR.
Alausa said that the task force, which comprises experts from healthcare, academia, and other relevant sectors, was set to implement a national action plan aimed at curbing the spread of AMR and safeguarding public health.
He stressed the gravity of the AMR challenge, calling it a silent but deadly threat that has profound implications for human health and also for animal health, agriculture, and the environment.
He said that Nigeria was among countries with the highest number of deaths associated with AMR
According to him, in 2019, the nation recorded 64,500 deaths directly attributable to AMR and 263,400 deaths associated with it.
“AMR deaths in Nigeria are higher than those from enteric infections, respiratory infections, tuberculosis, maternal and neonatal disorders, neglected tropical diseases, malaria, and cardiovascular diseases,” he said.
The minister also pointed out the absence of a national Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) programme to monitor the use and sensitivity patterns of antimicrobials across the country.
He said that this gap posed a significant danger, potentially leading to increased antimicrobial resistance, higher morbidity and mortality rates, and further strain on the country’s healthcare system.
He said that the task force would coordinate AMR surveillance and research activities across the country, reviewing existing data, aligning agencies, and establishing an effective nationwide surveillance system.
“An integrated digital information platform will be created to facilitate communication, coordination, and the dissemination of AMR-related information.
“The platform will support the establishment of AMS programmes in both public and private health institutions, and promote state and local government leadership in AMR surveillance and stewardship,” he said.
He said that the task force would also promote awareness of AMR among the public and healthcare providers.
According to Alausa, it will build capacity through training programmes for infectious disease physicians and pharmacists, and develop strategies to engage and train personnel at patent pharmacies.
He described the inauguration as the beginning of a coordinated and strategic response by the government to tackle AMR.
He expressed confidence that the task force, through its comprehensive and multisectoral approach, would play a crucial role in mitigating the impact of AMR in the country.
The World Health Organization (WHO) Representative in Nigeria, Dr Walter Mulombo, acknowledged key stakeholders in the fight against AMR and stressed the urgency of addressing AMR as a critical national public health issue.
Mulombo highlighted significant global resolutions and events in 2024, including the WHO strategic priorities for addressing drug-resistant bacterial infections and upcoming high-level meetings on AMR, demonstrating a global commitment to tackling the issue.
He detailed the severe health, economic, and development impacts of AMR in Nigeria, including high mortality rates, economic losses, and negative effects on sustainable development goals (SDGs).
He underscored the support from WHO and the commitment to align with Nigeria’s priorities to enhance the national AMR response, implement the National Action Plan (NAP-2.0), and support evidence-based interventions.
He underscored the critical nature of AMR, the global and local efforts to address it, and the commitment to strengthening the response.
Dr Omobosola Akinsete, National Coordinator of the Antimicrobial Stewardship Taskforce for Nigeria, said that AMR was a global public health crisis that threatened healthcare systems, including Nigeria’s.
Akinsete underscored the need for immediate action to preserve the effectiveness of antimicrobials.
She outlined the task force’s mission to coordinate efforts across different sectors to combat AMR in Nigeria.
She highlighted the importance of collaboration, data generation, and the promotion of evidence-based antimicrobial use.
According to her, there is the for a unified effort involving healthcare professionals, researchers, government agencies, and the public to address AMR and ensure a sustainable healthcare system for future generations.
She emphasised the critical importance of coordinated action against AMR in Nigeria.
Earlier, Ms Daju Kachollom, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, said that the inauguration marked a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s healthcare journey.
Kachallom said that it signalled the nation’s commitment to addressing one of the most pressing public health challenges of our time.
According to her, the task force’s work will be instrumental to guiding the country’s efforts to combat AMR and protect the health of its citizens.
She acknowledged that AMR posed a significant threat to Nigeria’s health security, economic development, and social well-being and the urgent need for a coordinated response.
She explained how the misuse and overuse of antimicrobials have accelerated the emergence of resistant microorganisms, making infections harder to treat and increasing mortality rates.
She outlined the specific challenges Nigeria faces in combating AMR.
She said that the challenges included limited access to quality healthcare, inadequate surveillance and monitoring, poor infection prevention and control practices, and the misuse of antimicrobials in both human and animal health.
The Tide source recalls that In Nigeria, AMR is responsible for 64,500 deaths, disproportionately affecting children under five.
The primary drivers of AMR include improper use of antimicrobials, poor prescription practices, circulation of substandard drugs, and inadequate sanitation.
Rivers State Head of Service, Dr (Mrs) Inyingi Brown, has called on rural communities in the State to embrace the Rural Access and Agricultural marketing project (RAAMP) with a view to improving their living conditions.
This follows the ongoing sensitization campaign by the State Project Implementation Unit (SPIU) visits to Degema, Abonnema, Afam headquarters of Degema, Akuku Toru and Oyigbo Etche and Omuma local government areas respectively.
Dr Brown who was represented by the Deputy Director, Special Duties in her office, Mrs Dein Akpanah, said RAAMP was initiated by the Federal Government and World Bank to economically empower rural dwellers.s
She said the World Bank understands the plights of rural farmers and traders in the State, and therefore came up with the programme to address them.
According to her, RAAMP will improve the conditions of farmers, traders and fishermen, and therefore, behoves on every rural communities in the State to embrace the programme.
The Head of Service also said the programme would support the youths to be gainfully employed while bridges and roads will be built to link farms and fishing settlements.
Also speaking, the State project coordinator, Mr Joshua Kpakol, said the programme has the potential of creating millionaires among farmers and fishermen in the State.
Kpakol who was represented by Engr. Sam Tombari, said RAAMP would help farmers and fishermen to preserve their produce.
According to him, the project will build cold rooms and Silos for preservation of crops and fishes while access roads will also be created to link farmers and fishermen to the market.
He, however, warned them against any act that will lead to the suspension of the projects by the World Bank.
Kpakol particularly warned against acts such as kidnapping, marching ground, gender based violence and child labour, adding that such acts if they occur may lead to the cancellation of the project by the World Bank.
During the visit to Oyigbo local government area, Mr Joshua Kpakol, said the team was there to let them know how they will benefit from the Raamp.
The coordinator who was personally at Oyigbo said the World Bank introduced the project to check food insecurity in the State.
He said already 19 states in Nigeria are already benefitting from the project and called on them to embrace the project.
Meanwhile, stakeholders in the three local government areas have commended the World Bank for including their areas in the project.
They, however, complained over the incessant attacks by pirates on their waterways.
At Degema, King Agolia of Ke kingdom said land was a major problem in the kingdom.
King Agolia represented by High Chief Alpheus Damiebi said many indigenes of the kingdom are willing to go into farming but are handicapped by lack of land.
Also at Degema, the representative of the Omu Onyam Ekeim of Usokun Degema kingdom, Osoabo Isaac, said Degema has embraced the programme but needed more information on the implementation of the programme.
Similarly, while High Chief Precious Abadi advised that the project should not be narrowed to only crop farming, a community women leader, Mrs Orikinge Eremabo Otto, called for the construction of cold rooms in all fishing settlements in the area.
At Abonnema, Mr Diamond Kio linked the problem of the area to incessant piracy along waterways.
He also expressed fears over the possibility of the project being hijacked by politicians.
Also at Abonnema, a stakeholder, Ikiriko Kelvin, called on the World Bank to design an agricultural project that will suit the riverine environment, while at Oyigbo, HRH Eze Boniface Akawo expressed satisfaction with the project.
John Bibor
The political mudslinging between the Senate leadership and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan continued yesterday as the Senate named Senator Aniekan Bassey as the new Chairman of the Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organisations.
Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, announced the appointment during yesterday’s plenary, confirming Bassey’s replacement of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who is currently on suspension.
Akpoti-Uduaghan was reassigned to the Diaspora and NGOs Committee in February after she was removed as Chair of the Senate Committee on Local Content during a minor reshuffle.
Bassey is the senator representing Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District.
Although no reason was given for her removal yesterday, the change is believed to be connected to her unresolved suspension.
In May, Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court ordered her reinstatement and directed her to tender an apology to the Senate.
However, the Senate has insisted it has not received a certified true copy of the court judgment.
Akpoti-Uduaghan who represents Kogi Central, has yet to resume her legislative duties despite a recent court ruling that voided her suspension.
In a televised interview on Tuesday, Akpoti-Uduaghan said she was awaiting the Certified True Copy of the judgment before officially returning to plenary, citing legal advice and respect for institutional process.
Although the Federal High Court described her suspension as “excessive and unconstitutional”, a legal opinion dated July 5 and attributed to the Senate’s counsel, Paul Daudu (SAN), argued that the ruling lacked any binding directive to enforce her reinstatement.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, one of only three female senators in the current assembly, said the continued delay in allowing her return was not only a denial of her mandate but also a blow to democratic representation.
“By keeping me out of the chambers, the Senate is not just silencing Kogi Central, it’s denying Nigerian women and children representation. We are only three female senators now, down from eight,” she said.
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