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Nigerian hospitals and health Centres must play a more proactive role in reducing antimicrobial resistance (AMR)-related mortality.
Health experts and pharmacists made this declaration at the Commonwealth Pharmacist Association (CPA) Antimicrobial Resistance Impact Celebration and UK-ALF-A Fellowship Graduation held at Babcock University.
The event, convened by members of the Commonwealth Pharmacists Association, highlighted the urgent need for stronger institutional commitment to combat AMR, which is responsible for over one million annual deaths globally due to misuse and overuse of antimicrobials without adherence to guidelines.
Nigeria currently faces a severe burden, ranking 20th globally in AMR mortality, with over 60,000 – 64,500 direct deaths annually and over 263,000 associated deaths, especially impacting children under five.
“Antimicrobial resistance remains one of the most pressing health challenges of our generation,” said Pharmacist Ibrahim Babasheu Ahmed, Registrar of the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria, represented by Adenike Ogunlola, the Director of the South-west Zonal Office of the PCN.
“It threatens patient safety, food security, economic stability, and the sustainability of our health systems. No country is immune, and no single institution can solve it alone.”
The significance of the Commonwealth collaboration was underscored as a platform that unites diverse health systems, regulatory authorities, academic institutions, and frontline practitioners under a shared commitment to safeguard the effectiveness of antimicrobials.
Pharm Ayuba Tanko Ibrahim, President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, praised the fellowship programme, noting that the progress showcased by fellows from different tertiary health institutions demonstrates what is possible when “global partnerships align with national priorities and local leadership.”
Prof. Titus Oyedele, Deputy CMD of Babcock University Teaching Hospital, described. Antimicrobial resistance is borderless.
“It permeates our hospitals, communities, and health systems with quiet, relentless persistence. The response must therefore be equally resolute — collaborative in spirit, innovative in approach and sustainable in design,” he said.
He also lauded the fellows and expressed delight that one of the five certified fellows, Pharm Abimbola Olajide as well as one of the seven SFM Champions, Pharm Blessing Amaike are BUTH Pharmacists.
He emphasized that this accomplishment is not merely personal, but “A reflection of institutional commitment and professional distinction.”
In addition to honouring the Fellows, the event also celebrated the seven SFM champions whose advocacy against sub-standard and falsified medicines advances health and wellness.
Alongside their mentors, they were commended for the vital role they play in safeguarding public health.
Building on this theme of collective responsibility, Pharm Mashood Lawal, LOC Chair and in-country technical consultant for the Commonwealth Partnership for Antimicrobial Stewardship, called on hospitals to intensify efforts in curbing AMR mortality and preserving drug efficacy.
He stressed that, beyond misuse, poor storage and handling of drugs — often worsened by power outages — contribute significantly to the deterioration of drug potency.
He urged massive investment in a 24-hour electricity supply for standard laboratories to strengthen Nigeria’s fight against AMR.
The gathering concluded with a strong consensus: Nigerian hospitals must step up their proactive measures, not only to safeguard patient lives but also to preserve the long-term effectiveness of antimicrobials for future generations.
For Pharm Ifeoma Obi, one of the graduate fellows, the experience has renewed her zeal for the profession. “It is from here to the stars.”
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