Health
Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR): WHO Tasks Journalists On Awareness Creation On Global Health Threat
With the major threats posed by Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) to health and human development, the World Health Organization (WHO) has called on media professionals in Nigeria to place high premium on awareness creation about Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), its risk factors and causes and, most importantly, the implementation of infection prevention and control (IPC) measures.
The Technical Officer and Coordinator of the One Health initiative at WHO Nigeria, Laxmikant Chavan, made the appeal during a two-day WHO capacity-building event for journalists apparently to enhance health reporting skills and increase understanding of some global health issues.
He underscored the necessity of evidence-based journalism, as many AMR-related stories often lack verified information.
Dr. Chavan described AMR as a “silent pandemic,” which is rapidly emerging as one of the most pressing global health threats, with wide-reaching implications that stretch beyond healthcare, affecting economies, food security, and development.
To control this global health challenge, Dr. Chavan emphasized the critical role of the media in educating the public about the drivers of AMR, including the over prescription of antibiotics, improper completion of treatments, and the misuse of antibiotics in livestock farming.
“AMR develops through improper use of antibiotics, not only in humans but also in animals and the environment,” Dr. Chavan said.
“AMR, which occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites become resistant to the drugs commonly used to treat infections, is recognized globally as one of the biggest threats to public health,” he said.
Dr. Chavan emphasized that without urgent action, the world may face a future where simple infections become untreatable.
In a related development, the World Health Organization (WHO) fears fpr Africa’s healthcare system, which according to the International Agency, faces an unprecedented crisis.
The United Nations’ Agency is projecting a staggering 5.3 million health worker shortage for the Continent by 2030.
The WHO Technical Officer, Muyiwa Ojo during his presentation at a WHO organized capacity training for Journalists in Abuja, added that the ugly development if not adequately checked would further plunge health systems and compromise the continent’s ability to provide quality healthcare services.
Still during his presentation titled,“Interventions to Improve Human Resources for Health in Nigeria,”Ojo revealed that with well over 200 million people in Nigeria, the nation can only boast of a little over 85,000 doctors, but requires at least double that number to effectively cover its population.
The distribution of doctors is also skewed, with Lagos having 20% (17,309) and the Federal Capital Territory having 10%, leaving the remaining 35 states to share the remaining 70%.
