By Abujah Racheal

Public health experts and economists in Nigeria have raised alarm over the health and economic burdens of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR).

AMR occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites become resistant to the medicines used to treat them, endangering lives, raising healthcare costs, and reducing productivity.

The experts expressed their concerns in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja.

Dr Abigail Banji, a health economist, warned that AMR could cost Nigeria billions of Naira annually due to longer hospital stays, higher medical expenses, and decreased workforce productivity.

“A 2022 World Bank report predicts that by 2050, AMR could cause a 3.8 per cent global GDP decline, with countries like Nigeria facing the worst impacts.

“Industries relying on antibiotics, such as livestock farming, could experience reduced food production and exports, worsening Nigeria’s economic struggles.”

She emphasised that if left unaddressed, AMR could cripple Nigeria’s healthcare system and hurt key sectors like agriculture and trade.

Prof. Muhammad Abbas, Director General of the Kano State Centre for Disease Control, highlighted the financial strain on families, as AMR-related illnesses required longer, and more expensive treatments.

He stated that this pushed many into poverty and harmed the national economy.

Civil society organisations, including the Vaccine Network for Disease Control (VNDC), had also intensified their advocacy for government and private sector partnerships to strengthen Nigeria’s response.

Mrs Chika Offor, VNDC’s Executive Director, stressed that without immediate action, the economic losses would be devastating.

She called for AMR to be prioritised in national policy discussions, warning that failing to act would not only raise healthcare costs but also threaten Nigeria’s long-term economic stability. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru