Antimicrobial Resistance is a persistent global health concern that adversely impacts multiple sectors, including agriculture. The crisis is significant, as the United Nations Environment Programme estimates a potential annual loss of $3.4 trillion from the global gross domestic product . The financial impact is alarming and has the potential to push millions into extreme poverty.
In Africa, where population density is often high and agricultural practices intensive, the challenges posed by AMR are particularly profound. The use of antimicrobials in livestock farming, aquaculture, and crop production contributes to the emergence and dissemination of resistant microbes. In countries that have limited resources and healthcare infrastructure, the burden of AMR can be challenging to manage.“Furthermore, the environmental dimension of AMR cannot be overlooked. The discharge of antimicrobial residues from agricultural runoff, pharmaceutical manufacturing and improper disposal of unused medications can contribute to the spread of resistance genes in soil, water, and air, impacting ecosystems and potentially exacerbating the problem,” he said.
The issue of rising impact of AMR is, undoubtedly, increasing worldwide, including Nigeria; encountering difficulties that are worsened by various socio-economic factors. Ahead of the global leaders’ discussions at the High-level meeting on AMR of the United Nations General Assembly in September this year, it is critical to highlight the AMR progress. In 2020, African Heads of State and Governments demonstrated the highest political commitment toward addressing this issue by the Assembly/AU/Decl.
Already, the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations has unveiled a 10-year strategy to reduce the need for antimicrobials on farms. This is in a bid to address the challenges posed by AMR in the agricultural sector. The forum was led by One Health Unit Lead, Africa CDC, Dr Yewande Alimi; Chairman of Nigeria Antimicrobial Resistance Coordination Committee and Infection Prevention and Control Programme Coordinator at Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, Dr Tochi Okwor and Executive Director, ReAct Africa, Dr Mirfin Mpundu.
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