Nigeria Launches National Action Plan to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance 2.0

The plan incorporates the One Health approach, which recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health in tackling AMR.

In a decisive move to address the escalating threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), the Federal Government of Nigeria has unveiled the Second National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR 2.0). This initiative aligns with the political commitments made during the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly High-Level Meeting (UNGA-HLM), President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s health sector renewal agenda, and Nigeria's broader commitment to global health security.

Understanding the Threat of Antimicrobial Resistance

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) occurs when infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites evolve to resist the drugs designed to combat them, rendering standard treatments less effective. The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified AMR as one of the most pressing global public health challenges, with an estimated 4.95 million deaths linked to bacterial AMR in 2019 alone.

At the launch event in Abuja, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, presented a situation analysis that revealed AMR’s prevalence across Nigeria’s human population, animals, food sources, and the environment. He emphasized that AMR poses a severe risk, threatening decades of medical advancements and potentially surpassing cancer as a leading global cause of death. Moreover, economic projections indicate that unchecked AMR could result in losses exceeding $100 trillion worldwide.

Key Strategies of AMR 2.0

The Second National Action Plan on AMR outlines crucial strategies aimed at:

Improving Antimicrobial Stewardship: Ensuring responsible use of antibiotics in healthcare, agriculture, and animal husbandry.

Enhancing Surveillance: Strengthening detection capabilities to monitor AMR across various sectors effectively.

Promoting Research and Development: Encouraging innovation in developing new antibiotics and alternatives.

Strengthening Healthcare Systems: Improving infrastructure and access to quality healthcare to manage and prevent infections effectively.

Emphasizing a One Health Approach

The plan incorporates the One Health approach, which recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health in tackling AMR. The overuse and misuse of antimicrobials in humans and livestock, coupled with environmental contamination from pharmaceutical and agricultural waste, have significantly contributed to the rise of AMR.

Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulombo, WHO Country Representative, stressed the urgency of collective action, warning that if AMR is not managed, it could lead to catastrophic health and economic repercussions. He pointed out that AMR poses a multifaceted challenge, necessitating an integrated approach that addresses irrational antibiotic use, inadequate sanitation, and limited healthcare infrastructure.

WHO's Role and Collaborative Efforts

The WHO has been instrumental in shaping Nigeria’s AMR NAP 2.0, providing global best practices and aligning the country’s strategies with the WHO's Global Action Plan on AMR. Following an assessment of the first action plan (2017-2022), which revealed a 44% completion rate and several implementation gaps, the government sought WHO's guidance in developing a more comprehensive and actionable plan for 2024-2028.

The newly launched action plan, which draws on the lessons learned from NAP-1.0, includes specific milestones, cost assessments, and a collaborative framework that involves diverse sectors such as agriculture, environment, and healthcare. The development of this strategic document was supported by funding from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Fleming Fund.

The launch event brought together stakeholders from various sectors, including government representatives, health and environmental organizations, and international partners, highlighting the collaborative effort needed to address AMR effectively. The AMR 2.0 plan aims to position Nigeria as a leader in the global fight against antimicrobial resistance, focusing not only on healthcare improvements but also on safeguarding the environment and enhancing food safety.

As Nigeria embarks on this ambitious initiative, the government remains committed to building a resilient health system capable of mitigating the effects of AMR, ensuring the safety and well-being of its population, and fulfilling its global health obligations.