Antimicrobial Resistance Reduction challenges in Nigeria

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a severe threat to public health and economic stability in Nigeria, contributing to the global estimate of 700,000 annual deaths, with projections of 10 million by 2050, if unaddressed. This study examines the challenges and drivers of AMR in Nigeria, alongside strategies and their outcomes. Key factors fueling AMR include public knowledge gaps, patient non-compliance, cultural misconceptions about antibiotic use, inappropriate prescribing, and irrational drug use in humans and animals. Despite institutional efforts to curb AMR through surveillance, infection control, and awareness campaigns, success has been limited due to persistent and evolving challenges. Results indicate that low public awareness and inadequate regulation enforcement continue to undermine reduction schemes, with antibiotic misuse remaining prevalent in both healthcare and agricultural settings. Compliance issues and cultural beliefs further complicate efforts, as patients often fail to complete prescribed treatments or misuse antibiotics based on misinformation.

To address these findings, this study proposes targeted recommendations. Sponsored ads and programmatic advertising during AMR Awareness Week can enhance public education, reaching diverse Nigerian demographics. Localized AMR-centered health talks at the community level, as well as the integration of foundational AMR courses into educational curricula, aim to bridge knowledge gaps. The continuous evaluation and adaptation of these strategies are critical to tackle emerging challenges effectively. While national strategies and research investments show some promises, their suboptimal impact highlights the need for innovative approaches. Implementing these recommendations could significantly reduce AMR’s burden in Nigeria, improving public health outcomes, supporting economic development, and contributing to global security. This study highlights the urgency of adapting dynamic, inclusive interventions to combat the rising tide of antimicrobial resistance.