Dr. Columba Teri Vakuru, Nigeria’s Chief Veterinary Officer, has raised alarm over the global threat of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), warning that it significantly hinders agricultural productivity and poses a serious risk to food security.
During a two-day awareness and sensitization workshop held in Awka, Anambra State, Dr. Vakuru emphasized that the misuse and overuse of antibiotics have contributed to the growing challenge of AMR.
The workshop, which was attended by stakeholders from various sectors of poultry and aquaculture value chains, was organized by the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development in partnership with Management Sciences for Health (MSH).
Dr. Vakuru, represented by Dr. Akinola Ibukunoluwa, Assistant Director in the Department of Veterinary and Pest Control Services at the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, explained that AMR arises when microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, develop resistance to the very antimicrobial medicines that are designed to treat them. As a result, infections become more difficult to manage and the effectiveness of medicines is compromised.
The Chief Veterinary Officer outlined several devastating consequences of AMR, including the prolonged duration of diseases, even with treatment, escalating treatment costs, and in some cases, failure of treatment altogether, leading to death.
He also pointed to the severe economic consequences, including loss of livelihoods and income, as a result of reduced productivity in agriculture and aquaculture.
The purpose of the workshop, Dr. Vakuru explained, was to educate participants on the appropriate use of antimicrobials, stressing the importance of responsible practices in combating AMR.
This would involve understanding the significance of using antibiotics only when absolutely necessary and ensuring they are used in proper doses for the prescribed durations.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Forster Ihejiofor, the Commissioner for Agriculture in Anambra State, shared the state government’s commitment to fighting AMR through the adoption of regenerative agriculture.
According to Dr. Ihejiofor, regenerative agriculture, which emphasizes working in harmony with nature, is a key strategy in mitigating the rise of antimicrobial resistance.
This farming approach does not involve the use of antimicrobial agents, allowing both livestock and crops to build natural resistance to diseases.
“It is a natural farming method that enhances the resilience of both livestock and crops by reducing reliance on harmful chemicals.
We need to adopt food production systems that emphasize cooperation with nature, rather than battling against microbes, to help reduce the threat of AMR. When we fight microbes, they adapt and fight back,” Dr. Ihejiofor said.
In his presentation, Dr. Basil Ejidike, the Director of Veterinary Services at the Anambra State Ministry of Agriculture, listed several key drivers of antimicrobial resistance.
These include the overprescription of antibiotics, failure to complete prescribed antibiotic courses, and the improper use of antibiotics in livestock farming.
He also pointed out that poor infection control and inadequate hygiene practices play significant roles in the spread of resistant pathogens, urging greater attention to these areas.
Mobalaji Ajani, the project’s communication consultant, spoke on effective strategies for raising awareness about AMR and promoting social behavioral change.
He urged all participants to act as ambassadors in the fight against AMR, emphasizing the critical role they can play in spreading knowledge and influencing positive changes in practices within their respective sectors.