By Mohammed Dala Lawan
The National Orientation Agency (NOA), has issued a stark warning to Nigerians about the dangers of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), a rapidly growing health threat in the country.
The Yobe State Director of NOA, Hajiya Maryam Shettima, made the statement in a released signed and made available to Radio Nigeria Sunshine FM Yobe, by the State Public Relations Officer of the Agency, Sabiu maikwano, on the public message on antimicrobial awareness week,
According to statement the AMR occurs when germs like bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites become resistant to medicines, making common infections harder to treat and increasing the risk of complications and death.
The agency highlighted the dangers of abusing antimicrobials, including the misuse of antibiotics, antimalarials, and other medicines, which makes infections stronger and harder to cure.
The statement explained that it can lead to longer illness, higher medical bills, and risk of complications, as well as the spread of resistant infections within families and communities.
The NOA emphasized that AMR threatens safe childbirth, surgeries, wound care, and treatment of common diseases, and can result in avoidable deaths when medicines no longer work.
NOA, therefore, advised Nigerians to take the preventive measures against AMR, by avoiding taking antibiotics without a doctor’s prescription, Complete prescribed doses when feel better, Avoid sharing medicines with others, to stop buying medicines from unqualified vendors, and Practice good hygiene.
Also get vaccinated to reduce infections and avoid unnecessary talking drug, Use of antimicrobials only when medically necessary, and Report any medicine misuse or counterfeit drugs to health authorities
The NOA further called on all Nigerians to join the fight against AMR, saying “Together, we can stop drug resistance and safeguard Nigeria’s health future by using medicines responsibly and protecting our families.”
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