NCDC enforces compliance on AMR Second National action plan

By Ifeoma Nwovu 

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has pledged to collaborate with regulatory bodies to ensure strict adherence to the Second National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR).

The plan prioritises improving stewardship, enhancing surveillance, promoting research, and strengthening healthcare systems.

The National Focal Person for Human Health on Antimicrobial Resistance and Programme Manager at the NCDC, Dr Ridwan Yahaya, made this known in Abuja during a training session on Surveillance and Prescription Support for Antimicrobial Stewardship.

Dr Yahaya described AMR as a significant threat to both human and animal health, stressing the need to revert to the principle of dispensing antibiotics strictly by prescription, both in hospitals and community pharmacies.

“We must return to the principle of dispensing. According to the national policy on drug use and antibiotics, no pharmacist is permitted to dispense antimicrobials without a prescription, whether in hospitals or community settings. We are collaborating with relevant authorities to increase awareness and enforce compliance with the law,” he stated.

The Chairman of the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria, Alhaja Wosilat Giwa, emphasised the importance of raising awareness among community pharmacists and proprietary medicine vendors on the rational use of antimicrobial drugs to promote compliance.

“There is a need for accurate data collection. You must document your work properly to showcase your progress. Carelessness in antimicrobial usage, poor enforcement, and lack of proper documentation have cost many lives. With the support of committed stakeholders, we can achieve better outcomes,” she said.

Two participants, Professor Samuel Taiwa from LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Oyo State, and Ms Bilkisu Ibrahim from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi State, expressed their commitment to educating patients and health professionals on the appropriate use of antimicrobial drugs.

AMR occurs when germs such as bacteria, viruses, or fungi that cause infections resist the effects of medicines used to treat them.