Several medical experts have cautioned Nigerians about the dangers of self-medication and the misuse of antibiotics. They issued this warning during a one-day awareness project on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) held on Monday in Enugu.
The programme was organized by Winifred Maduko, a PhD candidate at the University of St. Andrews, UK, as part of the grassroots interventions for AMR and Antibiotics Stewardship Project Public Engagement. The event aimed to raise awareness about antimicrobial resistance and promote the responsible use of antibiotics.
AMR has emerged as a significant global health threat, weakening the ability of antibiotics to effectively treat infections and diseases. The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified AMR as one of the top 10 global health risks.
Speaking on the theme, “Grassroots Solutions to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance,” Maduko emphasized the need for public knowledge and information on the correct use of antibiotics. She highlighted that the engagement project was conducted in collaboration with Afia TV, South Sahara, and Social Development organizations, and is currently being implemented in Enugu State.
“We want to use this platform to create awareness to people in Enugu and beyond to know more about antimicrobial resistance; to get proper information that the misuse of antibiotics leads to antimicrobial resistance.
“We can increase knowledge about these drugs through public awareness, which is what we are doing today.
“We had over 60 participants who will go back to their communities and spread the news.
“They should understand that self-medication is very bad, especially as it regards the use of antibiotics.’’
Maduko said that Nigerians bought antibiotics over the counter, especially in rural communities without minding the consequences on the body.
“By creating awareness on antibiotics misuse, together we will live a healthier life and also make antibiotics sustainable for the next generation,” she said.
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