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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.
The Rivers State Chief judge, Justice Simeon Chibuzor Amadi has granted pardon to six inmates standing awaiting trial at the Port Harcourt maximum correctional center.
The six lucky inmates granted pardon on Tuesday by the state Chief Judge included Nwekeala Chizoba, Samuel Emmanuel, Aniete Kelvin, Ebube Fubara and Goddey Okpara who were on awaiting trial as murder suspects and have all spent between 10 years to seven years in the custody without a proper information filed against them in the court.
Justice Amadi during a special gaol delivery exercise last Tuesday at the Port Harcourt Maximum Correctional Centre opined that the special gaol delivery was part of activities lined up to commomerate the 2024/2025 legal year in the State and restated the commitment of the state judiciary in decongesting the correctional centre and ensuring that those inmates who are not supposed to be there are removed from the custody.
The state chief judge stressed the need for all stakeholders to work together to build a society that supports rehabilitation and gives a second chance to anyone or group of people who have fallen short of the expectation of the law and have been punished accordingly.
He stressed that the National Judicial Council(NJC) encourages judges to pay more attention to criminal matters to enable them to decongests the correctional facilities, noting that since his assumption into office, his administration has been able to reduce the number of inmates in Nigerian Correctional Centres and the Port Harcourt Correctional Centre in particular, to less than 2,000 as against the over 4,000 inmates previously in the faculty.
According to him, “as they release the deserving inmates, they affirm their commitment to justice, compassion and rule of law but that they must not forget the fundamental principles of justice delivery system which is truth and fairness, integrity and equality before the law.”
I encourage you all the released inmates to return to your families and become better citizens. You must not engage in action that will return you all back to prison. Let me say that while the judges show empathy to you all, it does not absolved individuals from being held accountable for actions against individuals, corporate organisations and state which the law frowns at, ”he stated
The Chief Judge thereafter stood down the exercise to enable the DPP to intervene to case files following the fact that majority of the persons listed to benefit from the exercise are facing murder charges and adjourned to a date that will come before December.
Earlier in his goodwill message, the outgoing state Comptroller of Nigerian Correctional Centre, Port Harcourt, Felix Lawrence, who was recently promoted to the rank of Assistant Controller General, commended the state judiciary led by Chief Judge, Justice Simeon Chibuzor Amadi for their continuous effort aimed at ensuring justice and decongesting the facilities.
Other activities lined up for the event included special church service at St Paul’s Cathedral , Anglican Communion, Rebisi Port Harcourt, inspection of guard of honour by the state Chief Judge mounted by officers of the Nigerian police and a special court session held at the ceremonial court hall.
By: AkujobiAmadi
The Director General of Rivers State Bureau on Public Procurement (RBoPP), Dr. Ine Briggs, has explained that the Sir Siminalayi Fubara administration plans to enforce transparency in governance through public procurement.
Speaking at a one-day Public Procurement Enlightenment workshop organised in collaboration with the State Local Government Service Commission for newly elected chairmen, vice chairmen, secretaries and leaders of legislative assemblies, Dr. Briggs said it is key for grassroot development.
She stated that the Sir. Fubara administration plans to reduce wastage and at same time infuse efficiency in public expenditure.
The RSoPP DG said the local government political office holders remain key drivers in the new vision hence the workshop is to arm them with knowledge on how to execute projects in tandem with needs of the people.
“ Your role in the prudent management of public resources is, therefore, not just administrative it’s the cornerstone of delivering the dividends of democracy. Every procurement decision you make must reflect a commitment to fairness, transparency and accountability” Dr. Briggs submitted.
One of the key goals of the administration she further reminded the participants was to use their offices to foster economic growth through public procurement.
She warned that the law establishing the agency empowers it to penalise defaulters, but that what is more important is voluntary compliance to the laws.
In addition to that, she said urged the local government council leaders that champion the practice and implementation of public procurement law.
On his part, Acting Chairman of Local Government Service Commission, Pastor GoodLife Ben Iduoku averred that the aim of the workshop is to arm key stakeholders in the local government system to generate new ideas, innovation and strategies in tandem with government policies and programmes.
The workshop dealt on various topics on procurement planning, methods, Understanding Bid Process, including types of Construction Contracts and law.
Some participants were awarded excellence and meritorious awards as part of the programme.
By: Kevin Nengia
The 19th anniversary of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), Rivers State Chapter, recently ended in Port Harcourt in grand style, with participants from various schools including proprietors, the academia, civil society groups and top government functionaries charting the way forward for educational improvement.
The 19th NAPPS anniversary christened, ‘Innovation and Adaptation: Transforming Challenges Into Opportunities’ was held at Casoni Hotels, Port Harcourt.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Rivers State Chapter of the association, Dr. Jaja Adafe Sunday expressed gratitude to the members and executives for their untiring efforts towards the achievements of the body.
He sought the intervention of government on the lingering crisis on the economy as it is affecting the running of schools.
He decried high cost of things including fuel and raw materials which has adversely affected the running of schools and payment of teachers.
Dr. Sunday hinted that the current economic situation in the nation is biting hard on the operations of schools, saying inflation, removal of fuel subsidy, fuel scarcity, poor electricity supply, tariffs and lack of government grants are some of the challenges faced by schools, and urged the members to brace up to the challenges, as it is the panacea to building a brighter future.
Guest speakers from the health sector and the academia thrilled the gathering on the essence of basic education which they said is the key to national development.
Former Dean of the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Professor Azuru and the Chief Medical Director of Meridian Hospitals, Dr. Odo Iyke were some notable guest speakers who delivered lectures at the occasion.
Some distinguished proprietors also got special recognitions and awards.
The 19th anniversary cake was cut by the Rivers State NAPPS Chairman with representatives of the state government assisting.
