The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has proposed a four-pillar framework to guide national and global efforts in combating the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

Tochi Okwor, head of disease prevention and control at the NCDC, made this known in an interview with journalists on Saturday in Abuja.

Ms Okwor stressed the urgent need to act decisively and strategically at the country level.

“We are at a critical point. If we are to make meaningful progress in the fight against AMR, we must adopt a pragmatic and inclusive approach built on four key pillars,” she said.

She listed the first pillar as strategic information and pragmatism.

Ms Okwor stressed the importance of reliable data to inform AMR surveillance, policy, and action.

“Data must guide every step we take, and our strategies must be realistic and tailored to the unique realities of our health system,” she said.

She said that the second pillar, “Equity Must Be Central”, underscores the need to ensure that access to quality antimicrobials, diagnostics, and AMR-related services was not limited to urban or privileged populations.

“Equity is fundamental. Without it, AMR efforts will remain fragmented and ineffective,” she said.

The third pillar calls for accountability equals inclusion. There is the need for transparency and stakeholder engagement at community and facility levels.

“Inclusion drives accountability. Communities must have a voice in shaping AMR interventions if we want sustainable outcomes,” she said.

According to her, the framework’s fourth pillar involves a whole-of-society approach.

She said that AMR was not just a clinical issue but a societal challenge requiring multi-sectoral collaboration across health, agriculture, environment, and education.

“Antimicrobial resistance threatens our ability to treat infections and safeguard modern medicine.

“These four pillars offer a practical and inclusive roadmap for Nigeria and other low- and middle-income countries to mount an effective response,” she said.

AMR occurs when microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites develop the ability to defeat drugs designed to kill or slow their growth.

While this phenomenon can occur naturally through genetic changes, it is accelerated by factors such as the overuse and misuse of antimicrobials in healthcare and agriculture.

As a result, common infections can become harder to treat, leading to prolonged illnesses, higher treatment costs, and an increased risk of death.

AMR represents a global health challenge that necessitates coordinated, multi-sectoral efforts to improve surveillance, promote responsible antimicrobial use, and develop new treatments.

(NAN)