ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – The Genomic Epidemiology of AMR Pathogen (GEAP) Research Team at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos (CMUL), has issued a strong warning on the rising threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) as the world marks World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week (WAAW) from November 18-24.
Under this year’s theme, “Educate. Advocate. Act Now,” the team, with support from Pfizer, is spearheading initiatives to raise awareness and promote responsible use of antibiotics.
AMR, a phenomenon where bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites evolve to withstand medication, poses significant global health risks.
In a statement, the GEAP team explained, “Increased use and misuse of antimicrobials across sectors, alongside environmental factors such as pollution, create conditions for microorganisms to develop resistance.”
“This resistance can spread through various pathways, including contact with polluted water and contaminated food, making AMR a cross-border issue affecting everyone,” they stressed.
The GEAP awareness campaign includes a lineup of educational activities targeting diverse audiences, including healthcare professionals, researchers, policymakers, and the public, all with a “One Health” approach to combat AMR.
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The week’s events kick off with a virtual webinar on November 19, followed by community outreach activities. These include awareness campaigns at Tejuosho Market in Yaba, Oko Oba Abattoir, and the Faculty of Law at UNILAG, scheduled for November 19, 20, and 22, respectively.
The campaign emphasizes practical steps for antibiotic stewardship, such as frequent handwashing, avoiding close contact with sick individuals, seeking medical advice, and strictly adhering to prescription guidelines.
GEAP urged the public to “consult healthcare professionals for proper diagnosis, take antibiotics only as prescribed, and avoid self-medication.”
Leading experts will share insights on AMR during the webinar, including Dr. Tochi Okwor, Chair of the Nigeria AMR Coordination Committee at the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC); Prof. Dennis Nurjadi from the University of Lübeck, Germany, who will speak on the global burden of AMR; and Prof. S.S. Taiwo, a clinical microbiology expert from LAUTECH.
According to the GEAP team, this year’s awareness drive aligns with the global WAAW initiative to highlight the critical need for public education on antibiotic stewardship and actions to prevent the spread of drug-resistant infections.