The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has issued a grave warning over the escalating threat of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), describing it as a “silent killer” more deadly than malaria, tuberculosis (TB) and HIV/AIDS combined.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Saturday, Dr. Jide Idris, Director-General of the NCDC, stressed that the public’s lack of awareness is worsening the crisis.
“AMR is a silent killer. It kills more than the combination of malaria, tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS together,” he said. “Yet, very few Nigerians understand just how dangerous it is. That must change.”
What is AMR?
AMR occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites evolve to resist medications that once worked against them. This makes common infections harder to treat and dramatically increases the risk of severe illness and death. The misuse and overuse of antibiotics—especially without prescriptions—has been a major driver.
According to Idris, the NCDC is working with the federal government to roll out Nigeria’s National Action Plan on AMR 2.0, focusing on:
Infection Prevention and Control (IPC)
Antimicrobial Stewardship
Sustainable Financing
“These efforts are critical,” he said. “We need programmes directly targeting AMR, integrated into our healthcare systems.”
Nigeria to Host Global AMR Conference in 2026
Dr. Idris also revealed that Nigeria has been selected to host the next Global Ministerial Conference on AMR in 2026, a landmark event that could place the country at the forefront of global health advocacy.
“This is a big responsibility,” he said. “We’ve begun setting up planning committees, but we still need funding. We want to use this opportunity to push Nigeria to the center of the global AMR conversation.”
Public Awareness is Key
Idris emphasized that public education is the most urgent priority. He warned Nigerians against self-medicating with antibiotics or buying them without proper prescriptions.
“Antibiotics should only be used under the guidance of licensed doctors. People are dying because of ignorance and bad habits,” he warned.
He also criticized the poor practices of some healthcare workers who prescribe antibiotics without proper diagnosis or patient history, contributing further to resistance.
A Looming Healthcare Disaster
Dr. Idris cautioned that unchecked AMR threatens the success of routine medical procedures, including surgeries, childbirth, and chemotherapy. Without effective antibiotics, these common interventions could become fatal.
“AMR is not just a health issue—it’s a national emergency. We must act now to raise awareness, promote responsible use of antibiotics, and invest in long-term solutions,” he said.
