NAFDAC Sounds Alarm on Antibiotics Misuse, Citing Growing Threat of Antimicrobial Resistance

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a stern warning against the misuse of antibiotics in humans and animals, highlighting the escalating threat of antimicrobial resistance. Speaking at the conclusion of the 2024 World Antimicrobial Awareness Week, NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, emphasized the dire consequences of such practices.
“Antimicrobial resistance is a ticking time bomb that poses severe risks to human health,” Adeyeye warned. “The misuse of antibiotics, such as not completing prescribed dosages or consuming animals treated with antibiotics before the drugs clear from their systems, contributes to antimicrobial resistance.”
Adeyeye stressed that antibiotics should be used responsibly and not indiscriminately. “Antimicrobial Awareness Week serves as a crucial reminder that we must take action to combat the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance,” she said.
The theme of the week, “Educate, Advocate, Act Now,” underscores the need for collective action to address the challenge of antimicrobial resistance. Adeyeye noted that NAFDAC had intensified its efforts to educate pharmacists, veterinarians, and other stakeholders on responsible antibiotic use.
“We advise veterinarians and butchers to avoid slaughtering animals immediately after administering antibiotics, allowing sufficient time for the drugs to leave the animal’s system,” Adeyeye added.
The misuse of antibiotics has severe consequences, including the spread of antimicrobial resistance. “Resistance is reversing decades of medical progress, endangering routine surgeries, medical procedures, and the treatment of common infections,” Adeyeye warned.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has also sounded the alarm on the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance. According to WHO, the misuse of antibiotics in animals is a significant contributor to the spread of antimicrobial resistance.
NAFDAC has implemented measures to identify and mitigate the causes of antimicrobial resistance through its regulatory activities. The agency has also partnered with international organizations to share expertise and experiences in addressing the challenge.
The Danish Ambassador to Nigeria, Jens Ole Bach Hansen, underscored the global nature of the challenge. “Antimicrobial resistance is a global issue that requires collaboration across borders. Bacteria know no boundaries,” he said.
The event served as a platform to advocate for stronger international cooperation, heightened awareness, and actionable measures to combat the rising threat of antimicrobial resistance.
As Adeyeye emphasized, “We must take action now to combat the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance. The future of human, animal, and environmental health depends on it.”