Medical professionals have cautioned Nigerians about the risks associated with self-medication and the improper use of antibiotics.

This warning was issued during a one-day awareness initiative focused on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) held on Monday in Enugu. The event was organized by Winifred Maduko, a PhD candidate at the University of St. Andrews in the UK.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the program is part of a broader grassroots initiative aimed at addressing AMR and promoting responsible antibiotic usage.

AMR has been recognized as a significant global health challenge, threatening the efficacy of antibiotics in treating infections and diseases. The World Health Organization (WHO) has listed AMR among the top ten global health threats.

During her presentation on "Grassroots Solutions to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance," Maduko emphasized the necessity of public knowledge regarding the appropriate use of antibiotics.

She noted that this engagement project is being conducted in partnership with Afia TV, South Sahara, and various social development organizations, and is currently active in Enugu State.

“We want to use this platform to create awareness to people in Enugu and beyond to know more about antimicrobial resistance; to get proper information that the misuse of antibiotics leads to antimicrobial resistance.

“We can increase knowledge about these drugs through public awareness, which is what we are doing today.

“We had over 60 participants who will go back to their communities and spread the news.

“They should understand that self-medication is very bad, especially as it regards to the use of antibiotics.’’

Maduko stated that in rural communities, Nigerians frequently purchase antibiotics without a prescription, often disregarding the potential health consequences.

“By creating awareness on antibiotics misuse , together we will live a healthier life and also make antibiotics sustainable for the next generation,” she said.

Maduko highlighted that the government has developed strategies to combat antimicrobial resistance, emphasizing that the primary responsibility rests with individuals regarding their health.

Dr. Stanley Ilechukwu, Executive Director of South Sahara and Social Development Organisations in Enugu, added that individuals can mitigate the risk of antimicrobial resistance through effective awareness and education.

He pointed out that failing to undergo appropriate testing before seeking treatment, relying on unlicensed street vendors, and engaging in self-medication can exacerbate one's health issues.

“But if people are educated on these, they will cut down on the practice of self-medication and will not expose themselves or their neighbors to antimicrobials resistance,’’ he said.

Ilechukwu encouraged the community to obtain health insurance, emphasizing that such coverage would significantly facilitate their access to medical care.

Additionally, Dr. Chioma Nwoba, a physician, highlighted that improper use of antibiotics can result in antimicrobial resistance, rendering medications ineffective when misused.

“When people take antibiotics without restrictions, the organisms in their body now develop resistance leading to same drug no longer taking care of the illnesses,’’ she said.

A pharmacist at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu , Kenneth Egwu, said that the causes of antimicrobial resistance included abuse of antimicrobials and using antimicrobials to rear animals and exposure to infections.

One of the participants, Ikechukwu Okolie, thanked the convener for the programme

Okolie said that a lot of people would hear about antimicrobials resistance through the sensitisation programme.