NAFDAC has issued a strong warning against the improper use of antibiotics in both humans and animals, emphasizing the increasing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
During the 2024 World Antimicrobial Awareness Week, which was held in collaboration with the Royal Danish Embassy and Denmark’s Ministry of Environment and Food, NAFDAC Director-General, Mojisola Adeyeye, highlighted the serious consequences of such practices.
“Misusing antibiotics, such as failing to complete prescribed courses or consuming animals treated with antibiotics before the drugs have cleared from their system, contributes to the rise of antimicrobial resistance,” Adeyeye explained. “This resistance renders antibiotics ineffective, posing significant risks to human health. Antimicrobial Awareness Week serves as an urgent reminder that antibiotics should be used responsibly and not carelessly.”
Underlining the theme of the week, “Educate, Advocate, Act Now,” Adeyeye noted that NAFDAC had stepped up its efforts to educate pharmacists, veterinarians, and other key stakeholders on the responsible use of antibiotics. She also emphasized the importance of obtaining receipts for antibiotic purchases to ensure traceability in cases of resistance.
“We also advise veterinarians and butchers to refrain from slaughtering animals immediately after administering antibiotics, allowing enough time for the drugs to leave the animal’s system,” she added.
Adeyeye warned of the growing difficulty in treating infections that were once easily managed with antibiotics, antivirals, and antifungals. She identified the misuse of antimicrobial agents, the prevalence of substandard and falsified products, and poor drug handling as key factors driving the spread of AMR.
To address these challenges, NAFDAC has implemented various regulatory measures aimed at identifying and mitigating the causes of antimicrobial resistance.
