- Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is a silent and deadly pandemic that threatens modern medicine, food security, economic stability, and human well-being.
- AMR occurs when microorganisms evolve to resist drugs designed to kill them, resulting in 1.27 million deaths annually worldwide.
- In Nigeria, the burden of AMR is alarming, with increasing cases of drug-resistant malaria, tuberculosis, and bacterial infections.
Medical experts have warned that Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is a silent and deadly pandemic that must be treated with care. According to the World Health Organisation, AMR occurs when microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, and fungi evolve to resist the drugs designed to kill them. This results in the medicines we rely on to treat infections losing their effectiveness.
Globally, AMR is responsible for 1.27 million deaths annually, with over 4.95 million deaths linked to resistant infections. In Nigeria, the burden of AMR is alarming, with increasing cases of drug-resistant malaria, tuberculosis, and bacterial infections.
Experts emphasize that tackling AMR requires a multisectoral approach involving healthcare, agriculture, education, and media. They urge journalists to pursue their advocacy role in educating the public about the dangers of misusing antibiotics and the consequences of self-medication and overuse.
