Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a pressing global health issue, particularly affecting low- and middle-income countries like Nigeria. AMR occurs when microbes become resistant to antimicrobial agents, rendering treatments ineffective and increasing the risk of morbidity and mortality. In Nigeria, communicable diseases are prevalent, and the misuse of antimicrobials has compromised standard treatments, leading to treatment failures and the spread of resistant strains. Multidrug-resistant microbes pose a particularly grave threat, as they are virtually untreatable, contributing to a potential "post-antibiotic era."
Addressing AMR requires a multifaceted approach, including antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASP) that focus on optimizing antibiotic use. These programs aim to improve clinical outcomes, minimize adverse effects, reduce healthcare costs, and decrease antibiotic-induced collateral damage. Strategic approaches to ASP include appropriate therapy, prophylaxis optimization, policy development, prospective auditing, formulary restriction, and educational interventions.
International initiatives such as the Global Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance advocate for improving awareness, surveillance, infection prevention, and antimicrobial use. In Nigeria, the implementation of ASP aims to align with these objectives, optimizing antibiotic use according to WHO classifications, establishing ASP committees in hospitals, and driving national protocols effectively across healthcare facilities. The ultimate goal is to mitigate antibiotic resistance and improve healthcare outcomes in Nigeria.