Mr David Lazarus, a Laboratory and Biosecurity Specialist with the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) in Abuja, stated that projected reports indicate approximately ten million deaths could occur by the year 2050 due to antimicrobial-resistant infections, with a significant percentage of these fatalities expected to happen in Africa.
He made this statement in Yola during a two-day sensitization workshop for poultry and aquaculture stakeholders focused on antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This workshop aligns with the celebration of World Antimicrobial Awareness Week in 2024, themed “Educate, Advocate, and Act Now.”
According to Mr. Lazarus, AMR poses a global public health threat that hinders effective treatment for infections in both humans and animals.
He highlighted that in agriculture, farmers often use antimicrobials as growth promoters and egg boosters to prevent infections and to treat animals.
However, the misuse of these substances, particularly without prescriptions, contributes to the development of resistant pathogens, which can be transferred to other livestock and the environment.
Furthermore, he noted that such practices expose humans to antimicrobial residues through the consumption of animal products, including eggs, meat, and milk, which may have carcinogenic, allergenic, and mutagenic potential.
Mr. Lazarus emphasized the importance of educating farmers to mitigate these issues, while also highlighting the need for media engagement to effectively communicate the significance of this training to the relevant audiences.
The workshop aims to reduce the incidence of AMR among humans and animals, promote food safety and security, and ensure the health and well-being of citizens.
It is also intended to raise awareness among stakeholders in the poultry value chain, schoolchildren, media personnel, and the public regarding AMR and the appropriate use of antimicrobials.
Additionally, the workshop looks forward to fostering behavioural changes among poultry farmers and other stakeholders regarding improved animal husbandry practices and infection prevention. It aims to identify champions for AMR awareness among schoolchildren and improve communication about AMR by media personnel.
In his address, Dr Columba Vakuru, the Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria (CVON), urged participants to take full advantage of the workshop to alter harmful practices related to unprescribed antibiotic usage.
Represented by a Federal Epidemiologist, Dr Hassan Wunan Danbaki, Dr Vakuru cautioned poultry farmers against unethical practices.
Supporting this message, Dr. Nyalas Bathelhemew, the Director of Veterinary Services in Adamawa State, described the workshop as timely and emphasized the importance of educating livestock and poultry farmers to avoid the unnecessary use of unprescribed medications in their products.
He mentioned that the Ministry of Livestock and Aquaculture had implemented mechanisms to control illegal, over-the-counter sales of poultry products to ensure healthier farming practices.
Topics covered in the workshop included an introduction to Antimicrobial Resistance in the Animal Health Sector, the use of vaccination and probiotics as alternatives to antibiotics, and the implementation of biosecurity and infection prevention and control measures in poultry and fish farming to prevent AMR.