Experts Collaborate To Improve Access To Effective Antibiotics In Nigeria
By Alice Etuka, Abuja
The Trinity Challenge delivered a workshop on Tuesday in Abuja to explore community access to effective antibiotics in partnership with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) and Jhpiego.
The workshop convened healthcare leaders, researchers, tech specialists, and other experts to explore two barriers to access to effective antibiotics: stock control and substandard or falsified oral antibiotics. These issues impact both human and animal health.
The workshop included talks from experts on the global and local context of stock control and substandard and falsified antibiotics. Delegates then designed and tested ideas for data- and technology-based solutions, presenting their prototypes.
Speaking about the workshop, Chief Operating Officer, the Trinity Challenge, Louise Gough stated, “Today has been an extremely exciting and enlightening opportunity to work with colleagues in Nigeria, where we know there is a great wealth of health expertise and innovation working to tackle high rates of antibiotic-resistant infections.
“Among the drivers of the antibiotics emergency is the lack of access to effective antibiotics in many communities, chiefly in low- and middle-income countries. Today was a great example of the power of multi-disciplinary collaboration to begin to develop solutions to these barriers”.
On his part, Director General, NCDC, Dr. Jide Idris stated:
“We may be walking with our eyes wide open into a future where antibiotics no longer work. AMR is not a problem for tomorrow, it is a crisis we are facing now and if we fail to act, medicine will fail us when we need it most.
“Stockouts, unregulated sales, and low awareness are driving AMR, turning treatable infections into life-threatening conditions. We must regulate distribution, expand access, and
educate communities on responsible use.
“At NCDC, alongside our One Health partners, we are leading Nigeria’s AMR response, raising awareness, strengthening surveillance, infection
prevention, antimicrobial stewardship, and ensuring access to quality antibiotics. But this fight demands collective action and bold, innovative solutions”.
Meanwhile, Project Director, Jhpiego, Dr. Yemisi Ogundare, alluded that ensuring access to effective antibiotics was a fundamental step toward safeguarding global health, particularly in low- and middle-income countries:
“Ensuring access to effective antibiotics
is a fundamental step toward safeguarding global health, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The barriers of stock control and substandard or falsified medicines not only jeopardize treatment but also contribute to preventable deaths, especially among children under five and vulnerable populations.
