![Antimicrobial Resistance [AMR] in Hausa](https://healthtoday.com.ng/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/antimicrobial-resistance-AMR--360x180.jpeg)
The fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Nigeria has gained renewed momentum as key stakeholders gathered in Abuja for the first-quarter meeting of the AMR Technical Working Group (TWG) and the AMR Coordinating Committee. The high-level meeting brought together experts from human health, animal health, agriculture, and the environment to assess progress, tackle challenges, and reinforce national response strategies.
Renewed Commitment to Combating AMR
AMR remains a critical public health threat, undermining the effectiveness of essential medicines and increasing the burden of infectious diseases. The quarterly meeting served as a crucial platform to review ongoing AMR initiatives, enhance collaboration, and ensure alignment with both national and global action plans.
Dr. Tochi Okwor, representing the Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), Dr. Jide Idris, and serving as Chair of the AMR Coordinating Committee, welcomed stakeholders and commended the TWG for their efforts in advancing Nigeria’s AMR agenda. She acknowledged the significant progress made with the first National Action Plan (NAP 1.0) and congratulated the team on the development and endorsement of the second National Action Plan (NAP 2.0).
“I congratulate the AMR-TWG for their thorough work in developing the second National Action Plan and for the efforts that went into securing both technical and political endorsement with the support of relevant ministers,” Dr. Okwor stated.
Advancing Nigeria’s National Action Plan 2.0
Prof. Kabir Junaid, co-chairman of the Technical Working Group (TWG), encouraged participants to collaborate in refining strategies, clarifying expectations for each sector, and gathering feedback on past initiatives.
The newly launched National Action Plan (NAP) 2.0 reflects Nigeria’s commitment to tackling AMR over the next five years, from 2024 to 2028. It aims to build upon and sustain the achievements of the first AMR NAP (2017–2023) while introducing new strategies to enhance surveillance, antimicrobial stewardship, infection prevention and control (IPC), and public awareness campaigns.
Strengthening Collaboration for a One Health Approach
During the meeting, participants reviewed the latest progress in AMR surveillance and discussed ways to improve coordination across the human, animal, and environmental health sectors. A key focus was reinforcing the One Health approach—a multidisciplinary strategy that integrates efforts across different sectors to mitigate AMR’s impact. The stakeholders also explored opportunities for increased funding to support AMR initiatives.
As Nigeria moves forward with implementing NAP 2.0, the collaboration between government agencies, healthcare providers, researchers, and policymakers remains crucial in ensuring the country’s resilience against the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance.
The quarterly AMR stakeholder meetings continue to serve as a vital forum for driving Nigeria’s response to AMR, ensuring a coordinated and sustained effort in protecting public health and preserving the effectiveness of essential medicines.
