Misuse of antibiotics fuelling rise in drug-resistant diseases, experts warn

Health and agriculture stakeholders have warned that the rising misuse of antibiotics could have devastating consequences if urgent action is not taken to curb the trend. Speaking at the kickoff of the World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW) in Abuja, the Technical Coordinator for One Health at the World Health Organisation (WHO) Nigeria, Laxmikant Chavan, said […]

Health and agriculture stakeholders have warned that the rising misuse of antibiotics could have devastating consequences if urgent action is not taken to curb the trend.

Speaking at the kickoff of the World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW) in Abuja, the Technical Coordinator for One Health at the World Health Organisation (WHO) Nigeria, Laxmikant Chavan, said more diseases are becoming resistant to treatment due to widespread antibiotic misuse.

He noted that antimicrobial resistance–related deaths continue to rise globally and urged Nigeria to strengthen collaboration across sectors to combat the menace.

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, Dr. Chinyere Ijeoma Akujobi, stressed the need for greater public sensitisation to discourage the indiscriminate use of antibiotics in food animals.

She warned that administering antibiotics without observing the required withdrawal period before animals enter the food chain poses serious public health risks.

Also speaking, the Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria (CVON), Dr. Samuel Anzaku, represented by Dr. Patience Tomoh, called for stronger stakeholder support under the One Health platform to scale up public awareness campaigns.

The World Antimicrobial Awareness Week, marked annually from November 18 to 24, aims to raise global awareness on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and promote best practices to prevent its spread. The 2025 theme, “Act Now: Protect Our Present, Secure Our Future,” highlights the urgent need for coordinated action across human, animal, and environmental health sectors.