The World Health Organisation (WHO) has begun acting to curb effects of antibiotic pollution.
The new guidance on wastewater and solid waste management for antibiotic manufacturing sheds light on this important but neglected challenge ahead of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) High-Level Meeting on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) taking place on 26 September 2024.
The emergence and spread of AMR caused by antibiotic pollution could undermine the effectiveness of antibiotics globally, including the medicines produced at the manufacturing sites responsible for the pollution.
Despite high antibiotic pollution levels being widely documented, the issue is largely unregulated and quality assurance criteria typically do not address environmental emissions. In addition, once distributed, there is a lack of information provided to consumers on how to dispose of antibiotics when they are not used, for example, when they expire or when a course is finished but there is still antibiotic left over.
“Pharmaceutical waste from antibiotic manufacturing can facilitate the emergence of new drug-resistant bacteria, which can spread globally and threaten our health. Controlling pollution from antibiotic production contributes to keeping these life-saving medicines effective for everyone,” said Dr Yukiko Nakatani, WHO Assistant Director-General for AMR ad interim.
Globally, there is a lack of accessible information on the environmental damage caused by manufacturing of medicines.

“The guidance provides an independent and impartial scientific basis for regulators, procurers, inspectors, and industry themselves to include robust antibiotic pollution control in their standards,” said Dr Maria Neira, Director, Department of Environment, Climate Change and Health, WHO. “Critically, the strong focus on transparency will equip buyers, investors and the general public to make decisions that account for manufacturers’ efforts to control antibiotic pollution.”

In a concerted effort to curb brain drain, the Kebbi State Government has harmonised medical doctors’ salaries to be at par with their colleagues in the federal government’s tertiary health facilities.
Kebbi State Commissioner for Health, Musa Inusa-Isma’il, disclosed this at the handing over of ambulances to the state-owned health facilities at the Ministry of Health in Birnin Kebbi yesterday.
Inusa Isma’il, according to a statement by Ahmed Idris, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, said the essence of the harmonisation was to retain the existing medical doctors and attract more to the services of the state.
According to him, the doctors across the state had already started enjoying the new salaries from August 2024.
He said the release of the vehicles was in fulfilment of Governor Nasir Idris’ promise to uplift health care services in the state.
“His Excellency said I should inform you, the beneficiaries of this gesture, that the vehicle should be strictly used for the intended purpose. It should not be used for anything else.
“If there is no referral case, each of the vehicles must be parked at the hospital by 6 pm. The governor said you should warn your drivers against reckless driving as well as violating the instructions.
“We should also do everything possible to reciprocate the gesture by working according to the terms and conditions attached,” he advised.
The benefiting health facilities included Sir Yahaya Memorial Hospital, Birnin Kebbi; State Teaching Hospital, Kalgo; General Hospital, Argungu; General Hospital, Yauri; General Hospital, Zuru; and General Hospital, Bunza.

In his speech, the permanent secretary of the ministry, Dr Shehu Koko, recalled that the ambulances were handed over to the ministry last Friday by the governor for the onward handover to the benefiting hospitals.
He observed that the ambulances would go a long way in improving the referral system in the state, adding that delays in reaching the secondary and tertiary facilities would be eliminated.
The permanent secretary attributed the high rate of maternal mortality in the country to delays in getting to the health facilities for proper medical care.
“We believe with the provision of these ambulances, part of the gaps we have in our referral system will be addressed, whereby patients who require secondary healthcare could be easily transported to secondary and tertiary health centres, where they can get such help,” he said.
In a goodwill message, Commissioner for Information and Culture Alhaji Yakubu Ahmed expressed gratitude to the governor for the support he has given to the ministry to excel.
While advising the beneficiaries to use the vehicles judiciously, the commissioner advised that services and maintenance of the vehicles must be prompt to derive the maximum benefits from the vehicles.
The commissioner also highlighted some achievements recorded by the government in the last year, including beautification of the state capital, completion of a multimillion-naira ultramodern state secretariat, road construction, construction and renovation of classrooms and upgrading of some health facilities, among others.

The Customs Officers Wives Association (COWA) has inaugurated a transit camp and a skill acquisition centre built by the Association in Lagos.
Speaking at the inauguration in Apapa, National President, COWA Mrs. Kikelomo Adeniyi, who is also the wife of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Mr. Bashir  Adewale Adeniyi, said the inauguration of the camp and the acquisition centre marked a new chapter for the association.
She said the camp and the centre were built to promote the empowerment and welfare of members.
The President said the association had long been committed to uplifting the lives of customs officers’ families and the wider community.
Mrs. Adeniyi emphasised the core values of COWA, saying the mission of the association was to provide a supportive community and growth opportunities for  wives of customs officers.
She said, officers’ wives would connect with others, build lasting friendships and access training and development initiatives that would enhance their skills and confidence.
The President said the association had a number of   programmes  designed to impact the home front and society positively, while providing social, economic, and emotional support to members and their families.
She urged members not to set limits for themselves, but strive to do all to actualise their dreams.
“Together, let us break barriers, challenge the status quo, and pave the way for a more inclusive, compassionate, and prosperous society.
“The power to create change lies within each of us. Let us unleash our collective potential and make a lasting impact.
“Let us serve COWA with all our might, pouring our hearts, skills, and experiences into every endeavor.
“Let us rise together, shaping a brighter future for ourselves, our children, and generations to come”, she said.
Adeniyi charged members of the association to be agents of positive change.
She  said as wives of Customs officers, they were in a good position to make a lot of difference in the society.
“Let us embrace our roles as change agents, empowering ourselves and those around us.
“Together, we can build stronger families, stronger communities, and a brighter future”, Adeniyi said.
Also Speaking, Mrs. Funso Olomu, wife of the Apapa Customs Controller and Chairperson of COWA Apapa Chapter, said the COWA Transit Camp was  testament to the collective commitment of the association to providing safe, supportive environment for  members.
Olomu  said the  association  cared so much about the welfare and empowerment of members, saying the association had trained and empowered members and supported widows.
“Today, 20 members were empowered, three with outstanding business success stories received N200, 000  each; 10 who excelled as fashion designers were given sewing machines and pressing irons.
“Four COWA members trained as professional make-up artists received full make-up kits and equipment.
She expressed gratitude to the COWA national leadership for support and appreciates the cooperation of the  Area Command management   of COWA.

Earlier, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, the Apapa Customs Controller, lauded the efforts of COWA under Mrs Adeniyi’s leadership.

“The activities embarked upon by Mrs. Adeniyi have left indelible marks, wiped out tears from the faces of the downtrodden, and lifted the hearts of women and children touched by her kindness.

“The projects commissioned today are a testament to her midas touch. We assure you of proper utilisation and sustained impact”, he said.

According to him, “COWA’s efforts had mobilised support for widows, fostered skills acquisition for entrepreneurship, and upheld moral values and promoted a  sense of belonging”.