by Ola Williams-
The Federal Government has called on Nigerians, especially health professionals, to stop the inappropriate and unprescribed use of antibiotics in humans, animals, and plants.
“The misuse of antimicrobials across humans, animals, and crops continues to drive resistance, threatening food systems, economies, and sustainable development,” said Idi Mukhtar Maiha, Minister of Livestock Development, at the Flag-off Ceremony of the 2025 World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week (WAAW) in Abuja.
Maiha explained that Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) occurs when disease-causing agents such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites no longer respond to treatments that were previously effective.
“AMR is one of the most critical public health threats globally, limiting the ability to treat common infections in humans and animals,” he said, adding that projections indicate that by 2050, AMR could result in up to 10 million deaths annually worldwide, with Africa likely accounting for about 4 million of those deaths.
The Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria (CVON), Dr. Samuel Anzaku, stressed that AMR is a One Health challenge requiring urgent, coordinated action.
“The misuse of antimicrobials continues to drive resistance, threatening food systems, economies, and sustainable development,” Anzaku said.
The Director-General, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, (NCDC), called for strengthened surveillance, responsible use of antimicrobials, and collaboration across sectors.
The 2025 WAAW theme, “Act Now, Protect Our Present, Secure Our Future,” underscores the urgent need for collective action against AMR.
