WHO warns Nigeria over rising antimicrobial resistance‎

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‎By: Adamu Aliyu Ngulde
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‎The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is eroding decades of medical progress in Nigeria and globally, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations, including children, and threatening health systems, food security, and economic stability.
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‎In a statement marking World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week (WAAW) 2025, Dr Pavel Ursu, WHO Representative and Head of Mission to Nigeria, described AMR as a “multidimensional health threat” that undermines universal health coverage and gains in health security.
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‎“AMR is already affecting health, healthcare costs, food security, the environment, economies, and sustainable development,” Dr Ursu said.
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‎He warned that drug-resistant infections are on the rise, yet awareness, financing, investment, and actions remain insufficient.
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‎WHO data show that AMR was linked to 4.71 million deaths globally in 2021, including 1.05 million in sub-Saharan Africa. In Nigeria, more than 60,000 lives are lost each year to drug-resistant infections, with children under five among the hardest hit. In 2021 alone, 50,500 deaths were directly attributed to bacterial AMR, while 227,000 were associated with it.
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‎Dr Ursu emphasized the need for coordinated, cross-sectoral action. “We must integrate AMR response into primary healthcare, support one-health surveillance, ensure access to quality medicines and diagnostics, and invest strategically in human, animal, and environmental health sectors,” he said.
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‎The WHO official called on governments, healthcare providers, veterinarians, farmers, environmental actors, and civil society to turn political commitments into tangible, life-saving interventions.
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‎“Every action counts,” he stressed. “Whether establishing antimicrobial stewardship teams in hospitals or adopting sustainable farming practices, we must ‘Act Now: Protect Our Present, Secure Our Future.’ Investment in AMR action is SMART and essential for a healthier, more secure Nigeria.”
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‎World AMR Awareness Week 2025, observed from 18 to 24 November, highlights the urgent need for bold and sustainable measures to curb the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance. Nigeria is set to host the 5th Global High-Level Ministerial AMR Conference in June 2026.
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‎Dr Ursu concluded: “Together, we can preserve the effectiveness of antimicrobials and ensure a healthier, more sustainable Nigeria for generations to come.”
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