AKOR SYLVESTER-Abuja
The rising rate of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) deaths in Nigeria has raised concerns.
Experts gathered in Abuja to develop strategies towards tackling the menace.
A major stakeholder and expert in the fight against AMR and the National Coordinator, Emergency Center for Transboundry Animal Disease, Food and Agriculture Organisation, Dr. Ayodele Majekodunmi, said Nigeria ranked 19th among 204 countries mostly affected by AMR-related deaths.
Majekodunmi who spoke at a Step-Down training Programme on Media-EIS tracks and AMR for Association of Nigeria Health Journalists in Abuja, described AMR as a silent but escalating global health crisis.
According to the Expert, “In 2019, AMR directly caused 64,500 deaths in Nigeria and was a contributing factor in over 263,000 more.
Globally, AMR accounts for 1.3 million direct deaths and contributes to over 4 million fatalities annually. Without decisive interventions, this figure could rise to 10 million deaths per year by 2050, surpassing fatalities from cancer.”
Majekodunmi hinted on the wrong use of antimicrobials in humans, animals, and agriculture as a major driver of resistance.
She said “Practices such as using antibiotics for livestock growth promotion or self-medication in humans are exacerbating the crisis.
“The economic implications are equally dire, with AMR increasing healthcare costs, reducing productivity, and threatening food security.
“Antimicrobial resistance does not only affect health, it undermines livelihoods and development,”.
Majekodunmi therefore, advocated effective regulations, improved public awareness, and coordinated global efforts to combat AMR.
She emphasised the importance of personal responsibility, urging individuals to avoid self-medication and practice good hygiene.
The training served as a rallying point for policymakers, healthcare professionals, and agricultural stakeholders to collaborate in addressing the AMR threat and safeguarding future generations.
Speaking also, the Deputy Project Director, Risk Communication, Breakthrough Action Nigeria/ Resident Advisor Media- EIS, Dr. Olayinka Umar-Farouk, stressed the critical role of collaboration between media and public health professionals in addressing communication challenges, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Umar-Farouk stated the need for a shared approach to saving lives through accurate information dissemination and informed decision-making.
She said, “This drive led to the creation of the Media Epidemiology Infodemic Management Social Behavior Change Fellowship Program, aimed at connecting science and people for better health outcomes.
“The program, initiated in 2022 after an extensive needs assessment with media stakeholders, took shape through collaboration with professional associations. A tailored curriculum was developed to address gaps in epidemiology, social behavior change, and infodemic management.
“Launched in June 2023, the program received over 500 applications, with 30 fellows selected for a 15-month comprehensive training. The fellowship was divided into three tracks, epidemiology, social behavior change, and infodemic management, offering a mix of in-person and virtual sessions, field visits, and mentorship,” .
Umar-Farouk revealed remarkable achievements, including fellows receiving national recognition, securing additional fellowships, and participating in outbreak response efforts.
She noted that, “The program’s success is reflected in its focus on real-world application, as teams tackled specific diseases to translate knowledge into action. With the first cohort set to graduate in December, plans are underway to expand the fellowship and enhance the skills gained during the program.”
Commending Breakthrough Action for their support, Umar-Farouk noted the importance of ongoing capacity building for effective health communication.
She stressed that well-informed professionals can better equip their audiences to understand and address health challenges, ultimately improving Nigeria’s health outcomes.
On her part, the convener and Fellow of the Media Epidemiology Infodemic Management Fellowship (Media-EIS), Ojoma Akor X-rayed the critical role of epidemiology in journalism.
She explained that the discipline equips journalists with the tools to interpret and communicate scientific data, especially during health emergencies, ensuring accurate and impactful reporting.
Akor highlighted how the skills enable journalists to understand reports from health organizations such as NCDC and WHO, enhancing their ability to inform the public effectively.
The convener also discussed the real-world applications of epidemiology, noting how factors like behavior and environment influence disease spread.
She said “By understanding these principles, journalists can bridge the gap between science and the public, contributing to improved health awareness and outcomes,”.
The Step-down training programme on Media-EIS tracks and AMR for members of the Association of Nigeria Health Journalists (ANHEJ) was organized by Ojoma Akor, a Media-EIS fellow with support from the USAID- funded Breakthrough ACTION- Nigeria.
