A professor of clinical microbiology from the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, Northeast Nigeria, Sambo Zailani, has raised the alarm on the implications of antimicrobial resistance, saying the mortality rate associated with it is very high.
Zilani, who is also a consultant and clinical microbiologist at the university, raised this awareness during the “Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week,” which was held from November 18 to 24.
The don who explained why it is essential for people to be aware of the effects of antimicrobial resistance, stressed, “This is crucial because the World Health Organisation, in 2019 alone, approximately recorded that over 1.27 million people lost their lives due to antimicrobial resistance.
“Furthermore, by 2023, this number had increased to around 4.9 million people globally. These statistics underscore the importance of preventing antimicrobial resistance and protecting those affected by the disease.”
While also responding on how much antimicrobial resistance has continued to impact the well-being of diverse communities, Professor Zailani stated averred that, “Antimicrobial resistance has far-reaching consequences on different communities’ well-being as it has lead to increased mortality rates.”
He added, “Treating individuals with antimicrobial resistance is often costly. For instance, let’s consider malaria. Typically, antimalarial medication is prescribed for three days.
However, if the malaria parasite develops resistance to the medication, the patient may continue to experience symptoms, necessitating further medical tests and potentially more expensive treatments.
“In severe cases, hospitalisation may be required, which can be a significant financial burden. Furthermore, antimicrobial resistance can also lead to psychological distress and long-term health complications,” he disclosed.
Speaking further on how antimicrobial resistance affects human health and the connection between humans, animals, and environmental health, Zailani responded, “Antimicrobial resistance has significant implications on human health.
It is essential to recognise that human health is interconnected with animal and environmental health.
“Animals, like humans, use antibiotics to treat infections, and plants are also treated with antibiotics.
If animals develop antimicrobial resistance, it can be transmitted to humans. Similarly, if the environment is contaminated, humans can contract infections. Therefore, it is crucial to adopt a holistic approach, considering human, animal, and environmental health, to effectively address antimicrobial resistance.”
However, the clinical consultant proffered ways through which antimicrobial resistance be prevented, saying, “Preventing infection is the first step in combating antimicrobial resistance. This can be achieved through various means, including environmental sanitation, proper hand hygiene, and vaccination.
“It is essential to maintain a clean environment, both at home and in public spaces. Hand washing, in particular, is crucial, especially for healthcare professionals who interact with patients regularly.
“Additionally, vaccination plays a vital role in preventing infections and subsequently reducing the need for antibiotics.”
As a result, he urged stakeholders, such as regulating agencies and government bodies, to play significant roles in addressing antimicrobial resistance by
“ensuring that antibiotics are sold responsibly, with prescriptions and proper dosage instructions. Governments, on the other hand, are responsible for providing clean water, proper sanitation, and waste management.
These measures can significantly reduce the spread of infections and subsequently decrease the need for antibiotics.”
While concluding his lecture, the consultant clinical microbiologist emphasised that “antimicrobial resistance is a pressing global health issue that requires immediate attention.
