By Grace Ofurum
As the world marked Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Awareness Week, public health journalists in Imo State gathered for a one-day workshop to intensify advocacy and awareness against the abusive use of antimicrobials.
Led by Paschal Chukwuemeka, a public health journalist and Media Eis fellow, the workshop brought together journalists from print, broadcast, and online media to discuss the dangers posed by AMR and the need for media advocacy.
Chukwuemeka emphasized the alarming rate of AMR, stating that it impedes modern medicine’s ability to treat infections and has far-reaching implications for food security, economic stability, and human, animal, and environmental well-being.
He urged journalists to amplify the urgency, create public awareness, and champion policy change. “Let us unite in this fight against AMR, let us educate, advocate, and act now to safeguard our future.”
Dr. Ridwan Yahaya, Antimicrobial Stewardship Manager at the Nigeria Center for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), called on journalists to collaborate with NCDC in combating AMR. He highlighted the devastating health and financial impact of AMR, emphasizing the need for journalists to educate, create awareness, and advocate for resources mobilization.
AMR Ambassador and Media Eis fellow, Ms. Rachael Abujah, emphasized the collective effort required to combat AMR. She cited World Health Organization (WHO) statistics, noting that AMR occurs when microorganisms evolve to resist antimicrobial drugs, leading to high death rates globally.
Deputy Project Director, Risk Communication at Breakthrough Action-Nigeria, Dr. Olayinka Umar Farouk, stressed the need for effective reporting strategies to raise AMR awareness and promote social behavioral change. He urged journalists to continue championing and advocating for AMR awareness, emphasizing the need for reduced antibiotic use and regulatory policies to ensure access to antimicrobials for those in need.
Farouk highlighted the alarming global death rate attributed to AMR, with over 5 million deaths annually, and over 200,000 deaths associated with AMR in Nigeria. He warned that if left unchecked, AMR could lead to a loss of up to $100 trillion in global production by 2050.
