Corps Organizes Training for Patent Medicine Vendors to Lead Change Against Antimicrobial Resistance

by Ibraheem O. Qoseem

In a bold move to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Ilesha, MLS. Ibraheem Olasunkanmi Qoseem, alongside his dedicated team, organized a groundbreaking training session for patent medicine vendors (PMVs) as part of his Personal NYSC Community Development Services, funded by DRASA Health Trust and supported by Alliance Against Antimicrobial Resistance, Champions Educational Foundation, Premium Health and Educational Consultancy and Cytobiz Medics.

These community health practitioners were particularly chosen because of their important roles in antibiotics access and distribution in rural areas but often lack formal healthcare education.

With strategic partnership and expert-led session, this training aimed to bridge critical knowledge gaps and equip PMVs with the skills needed to combat the spread of resistant infections. Pharmacist Omonijo from University of Ilesha, representing Pharmacist Ademola Fasaanu, Deputy Director Pharmacy department, State Hospital Ilesha, served as the keynote speaker. He passionately emphasized on the necessity of prioritizing human health over the common economic-driven malpractices that plague the informal health sector.

In a relatable presentation, Pharm. Omonijo detailed the origins of infections, appropriate antimicrobial agents, and practical steps PMVs can take, such as prudent antibiotic prescribing, discouraging unnecessary use, preserving medications properly, and offering sound medication counseling. He emphasized the essential role these vendors play in safeguarding community health.

Project lead Ibraheem Olasunkanmi Qoseem delivered an emotional speech, drawing from personal experiences to underscore the urgency of the AMR crisis. He said:

“Today, I stand before you not just as a young man fulfilling an NYSC requirement, but as someone driven by a deeply personal mission to make impact through AMR education. My time in the laboratory exposed me to heartbreaking stories of people suffering from life-threatening resistant infections-much of which could have been prevented through knowledge and proper antibiotic use.”

Qoseem’s speech resonated with the attendees, as he highlighted the real-world consequences of antibiotic misuse and called on PMVs to become champions of responsible antibiotic distribution. “This training is not just about me or my project; it’s about our families, friends, and neighbors who rely on these drugs to survive. If we lose antibiotics, we lose more than just a medicine, we lose the chance to heal, protect, and save lives,” he added.

This initiative, part of Qoseem’s broader AMR eduAids project, marks a significant step towards empowering local health practitioners to be frontline warriors in the fight against antimicrobial resistance. By equipping PMVs with essential knowledge and skills, Qoseem and his team are promoting a new wave of informed healthcare practices in Ilesha, ensuring that antibiotics remain a reliable defense for generations to come.

Qoseem concluded, urging the vendors, “Engage with this training not just with your minds but with your hearts. The future of our communities depends on us. Let’s make a difference together.”

The training is set to have a ripple effect across Ilesha and beyond, turning information into action and fueling a community-wide commitment to combat one of the most pressing health challenges of our time.