Borno Govt partners with IRC to tackle Antimicrobial threat in Borno
By Ladi Jossy, Maiduguri
The Borno State government in collaboration with INGO, International Rescue Committee (IRC) has urged the governments at all levels to rise and mitigate the high mortality rate and economic burdens emanated as a result of the use of unprescribed drugs.
Health Coordinator International Rescue Committee (IRC), Dr Olusegun Afolabi stated this during the inaugural Members of Antimicrobial Resistance and Antimicrobial Use Technical Working Group held in Maiduguri yesterday estimated about 700, 000 deaths are recorded annually worldwide due to the improper use of Antimicrobial Resistance.
“It is the responsibility of both federal and state governments to avert the global health and development threat through a multi-sectoral approach.
While explained that, “multi drug resistance organism which develop in a human body as a result of persistent use of strong of antibiotics should be minimise through rubost strategy adopted by the Technical Working Group of Antimicrobial Resistance(AMR) and Antimicrobial Use (AMU) respectively.”Dr Olusegun warned.
He added that Antimicrobial Resistance and Antimicrobial Use have been a global Public Health threat in recent years which many nations including Nigeria set up interventions to overcome the burdens.
He stressed public education on Antimicrobial Resistance and Use to serve as a solution to the threat which Nigerians responded by observing the guidelines pertaining to the threat.
While responding, the Permanent Secretary Borno State Ministry of health who was represented by Director Public Health in the Ministry, Dr Lawi Mshelia says Borno State Government has already put in place the necessary infrastructure required to support the Technical Working Group.
Dr Lawi said after inaugurating the Technical Working Group of Antimicrobial Resistance and Antimicrobial Use, appealed to faith-based Organizations, Civic Society Organizations and all other stakeholders to support the implementation of the Programme to safeguard lives.
In his remarks, State Coordinator NAFDAC, Pharmacist Jamil Audu noted that it is NAFDAC’s mandate to checkmate fake drugs and substandard products, and vow to support the course along with their laboratories and other types of equipment on the ground.
