Specialists have referred to as for enhanced surveillance methods, sustained funding, and efficient collaboration throughout well being, agriculture, and environmental sectors to fight Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR).They warned that failing to handle AMR might derail progress towards attaining the Sustainable Growth Objectives (SDGs).
Talking on the Step-down Coaching Programme on Media-EIS Tracks and AMR in Abuja, organised for members of the Affiliation of Nigeria Well being Journalists (ANHEJ), the consultants emphasised the pressing want for motion.
The occasion was convened by Ojoma Akor, a Media-EIS fellow, with assist from the USAID-funded Breakthrough ACTION-Nigeria.
Highlighting the severity of the difficulty, consultants urged the Nigerian authorities to implement strict laws to scale back the excessive mortality charges linked to AMR.
Antimicrobial Resistance is a rising world well being and financial problem, with Nigeria being among the many hardest-hit international locations.
Nationwide Coordinator for the Emergency Middle for Transboundary Animal Illnesses on the Meals and Agriculture Group (FAO), Dr. Ayodele Majekodunmi, revealed alarming statistics: “Globally, AMR is linked to 4.95 million deaths yearly, with 1.27 million straight attributable to it. In Nigeria, AMR-related deaths complete 263,400 yearly, of which 64,500 are straight linked to AMR. This locations Nigeria nineteenth amongst 204 nations in AMR-related mortality.”
Dr. Majekodunmi referred to as for stricter laws to curb the dying toll in Nigeria.
Deputy Undertaking Director, Threat Communication, Breakthrough ACTION-Nigeria, Dr. Olayinka Umar-Farouk, underscored the crucial position of the media in addressing AMR. She highlighted the significance of equipping journalists with the talents to speak complicated public well being challenges successfully.The occasion’s convener, Ojoma Akor, emphasised the transformative position of epidemiology in well being journalism, stating that understanding illness patterns and determinants helps goal interventions successfully. Breaking the chain of an infection and utilizing key epidemiological measures like incidence and prevalence are important for knowledgeable public well being actions, Akor mentioned.
Fellows Yecenu Sasetu and Lois Sambo careworn the significance of Social and Habits Change Communication (SBCC) in addressing well being crises.
They mentioned SBCC bridges the hole between information and motion, enabling measurable and sustainable well being outcomes.
By media campaigns, SBCC can affect social norms, promote evidence-based practices, and drive public engagement, they famous.
President of ANHEJ, Joseph Kadiri, praised the coaching for equipping journalists with important information to coach the general public successfully.
